CFP committee admits Brian Kelly departure could affect Notre Dame’s playoff chances
Brian Kelly’s decision to leave Notre Dame for LSU could be a factor the CFP committee weighs in the final playoff rankings.
Notre Dame is already reeling from Brian Kelly heading to LSU. Things could go from bad to worse in a matter of days.
The Fighting Irish ranked No. 6 in the latest College Football Playoff Top 25. They need a few dominoes to fall in order to make it into the Top 4 playoff spots on Sunday.
Kelly’s departure only makes it more tricky because the committee will factor in his absence when making their final rankings.
Notre Dame could miss the playoff because Brian Kelly left for LSU
CFP committee chair Gary Barta admitted on ESPN that they do have the ability to factor in a missing coach or player.
CFP chair Gary Barta on ESPN on Notre Dame’s evaluation post-Brian Kelly: “This week it didn’t apply. … Once the championship games wrap up, to your point, our protocol does include the ability for the committee to consider a player or coach not being available."
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) December 1, 2021
So Notre Dame could be in one of the biggest “what if” situations of all time on Sunday. If they finish ranked No. 5, it could be because they lost their head coach.
Talk about adding insult to injury.
The Irish don’t control their own destiny in this and getting into the playoff was always going to be a longshot after they lost to Cincinnati. Having said that, the results of conference title games around the country could definitely open the door for them.
If they miss out because of Kelly’s move, that would be utterly devastating.
The final rankings will come out on Sunday, so Notre Dame will know soon enough if the playoff is in their future. They already know Kelly won’t be part of it.
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