2 reasons Notre Dame returns to College Football Playoff this year

1. They could have wins over 3 Power Five champions, Group of Five behemoth

Admittedly, it is going to take more than a 12-0 record to overcome previous playoff failures and not having the 13th data point if you are Notre Dame. So how does Notre Dame overcome this? By hoping they have head-to-head tiebreakers overall several teams who could potentially win their conference. There is a chance Notre Dame could defeat 3 Power Five champions this season.

In theory, Notre Dame may have head-to-head victories over ACC hopeful North Carolina, Big Ten contender Wisconsin and Pac-12 South favorite USC. Though none of those teams are favored to win their Power Five conference, Cincinnati is in the AAC, and Notre Dame plays them as well. It would be one incredible parlay, but this is how to keep the ACC, Big Ten or Pac-12 champion out.

If we want to factor in either Virginia school being ranked, Notre Dame could have five wins over ranked teams this year. At this point, the SEC is getting a team in and the Big 12 almost certainly will as well. Should Power Five powerhouses like Clemson, Ohio State and Oregon disappoint, Notre Dame could have the leg up on North Carolina, USC and Wisconsin for the last spot in.

Overall, Notre Dame has the head coach in Kelly to navigate a regular-season schedule to perfection with a shot of making the four-team field. Though they will need teams like Cincinnati, North Carolina, USC and Wisconsin to be outstanding, those head-to-head tiebreakers could yield so many fascinating talking points when it comes to debating if Notre Dame deserves a spot in.

Notre Dame has no margin for error to make the College Football Playoff, but this is a given now.

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