Notre Dame's Big Bowl Blunder

A Big Deal in College Football

Notre Dame's decision to skip the bowl game after missing the College Football Playoff is a significant move. They were upset about not securing one of the 12 spots and chose to stay home instead of playing BYU. This decision has sparked considerable backlash.

A History of Special Treatment

The Irish have a long-standing history of receiving special treatment in college football. They enjoy advantages that other teams do not, such as not having to play in a conference championship game. This has led to questions about why Notre Dame receives such favorable treatment.

The Athletic Director's Reaction

Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, expressed shock and disappointment. He even labeled the rankings a "farce." However, many people believe Notre Dame is being a sore loser, given the numerous benefits they have received over the years.

The Selection Committee's Tough Job

The College Football Playoff selection committee had a challenging task. They had to decide who gets in and who doesn't, considering factors like schedule strength and head-to-head results. Ultimately, Miami was ranked higher than Notre Dame and BYU, a decision based on solid reasoning.

The Money Factor

Some speculate that Notre Dame is upset about the financial aspect. Playoff teams receive a substantial payday, with Notre Dame potentially earning $4 million. However, they turned down a $3 million offer from the Pop-Tarts Bowl, suggesting their concerns might be more about money than the game itself.

A Lesson in Handling Disappointment

Notre Dame's decision to skip the bowl game reflects poorly on them, indicating an inability to handle disappointment gracefully. Other teams have been denied playoff spots before but none have reacted in this manner. It serves as a lesson in how not to handle setbacks.