The selection of Notre Dame's exclusion from the 12-team College Football Playoff has led the team to withdraw from postseason bowl consideration, showcasing their discontent with the selection committee. The relationship between Notre Dame and the ACC has deteriorated, with athletic director Pete Bevacqua asserting that their standing has suffered irreversible damage over perceived bias in selections. As the push for a 24-team playoff model gains traction, this format is seen as a solution to accommodate deserving teams that were previously overlooked. A 24-team layout would include automatic qualifiers from the Power 4 and Group of 6, allowing for a more democratic selection process and enhanced opportunities for fan engagement during home playoff games.

By the Numbers
  • 24 teams proposed for the playoff format, including 18 automatic qualifiers.
  • 16 campuses would host home playoff games in the new structure.
State of Play
  • Notre Dame's withdrawal from bowl games signals significant disappointment with the playoff selection process.
  • The ACC is facing criticism for failing to secure its conference champion in the playoffs.
What's Next

As the season progresses, teams on the bubble will vie for spots that could see them qualifying for the playoff with strong performances in remaining regular-season games. The introduction of a wider bracket could alter future conference alignments and playoff significance.

Bottom Line

The transition to a 24-team playoff format is essential for providing a fair chance to all deserving teams, enhancing the overall excitement of championship football while addressing current grievances within the NCAA selection process.