Notre Dame's Bitter Playoff Snub and ACC Tensions
A Rough End to the Season
Notre Dame's football team had a strong record but was left out of the College Football Playoff. The decision left the school's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, unhappy and questioning the fairness of the process.
Strained Relationship with the ACC
Bevacqua expressed frustration over the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) promoting Miami over Notre Dame on social media. He argued that Notre Dame is a significant part of the ACC in other sports and that the playoff rankings felt like a "game of musical chairs", which was not favorable for the committee.
Season Highlights and Setbacks
- Started the season with two close losses
- Won 10 straight games afterward
- Maintained a high ranking throughout the season
- Fell just short in the final rankings
Bevacqua revealed that the team decided not to play in any bowl games to stay together as a team.
Unique Deal with NBC
Notre Dame has a special deal with NBC to broadcast their games, allowing them to remain independent in football. This agreement, in place since 1991, will continue until 2029. Bevacqua emphasized that Notre Dame brings considerable value to the ACC, despite the recent tensions.
Coaching Concerns
Bevacqua also addressed the importance of retaining coach Marcus Freeman. He wants to ensure Freeman feels valued and stays at Notre Dame, even if other teams show interest. Freeman has a strong record, and Bevacqua is committed to keeping him happy.
Spotlight on Notre Dame's Unique Status
The situation has highlighted Notre Dame's unique position in college football. They are independent in football but part of the ACC in other sports, making their situation distinct from most other teams.
