A number of outstanding groups across the nation are sweating their School Soccer Playoff destiny because the 2024 common season attracts to an in depth. For these on the bubble, there’s just one assured recreation left to depart an impression.
Then there are the applications that really feel like a digital lock. A 12-team subject does present some margin for error, a minimum of, particularly in a yr as chaotic as this one.
Notre Dame is a type of colleges that has quietly labored its approach again into a major place. Many had been fast to rely the Preventing Irish out after a disastrous early season loss to Northern Illinois, which nonetheless stands as arguably the largest upset of the whole yr.
That will need to have lit a substantial blaze beneath coach Marcus Freeman and his program. Notre Dame has been probably the most dominant groups within the sport during the last couple of months. Eight of their 9 wins since Sept. 7 have come by two possessions.
The Irish are driving a nine-game profitable streak (tied for second-longest within the FBS) with a mean margin of victory of 32.6 factors per recreation. That features two ranked wins in opposition to Military and Navy, and one quietly sturdy résumé-builder in opposition to a Georgia Tech workforce that beat Miami. Notre Dame at present leads the FBS with a +301 level differential on the yr with the No. 10 energy of report, in accordance with ESPN’s FPI metric.
Because of some main shuffling in Week 13 — notably Indiana‘s loss to Ohio State — Notre Dame will virtually definitely be a top-five workforce in Tuesday’s newest spherical of School Soccer Playoff Rankings. All that stands between the Irish and their third playoff look is a 6-5 USC workforce.
However does the results of Saturday’s rivalry recreation matter? One might argue that, given the proof above, Notre Dame has already achieved sufficient to spherical out a 12-team subject.
The Irish have some spectacular stats on their aspect: No. 4 nationally in complete protection (273.1 yards per recreation), No. 2 in scoring protection (11.6 factors per recreation), No. 1 in passing protection (139.5 ypg), No. 6 in scoring offense (39 ppg) and No. 11 in dashing offense (221.8 ypg). Plus, whether or not it is truthful or not, Notre Dame has the all-important model recognition on its aspect as one among school soccer’s legacy applications.
One other facet working in Notre Dame’s favor is the truth that it doesn’t need to play in a convention championship recreation. The guarantees of computerized bids to every of the 5 highest-ranked convention champions was seen as an enormous downside for impartial Notre Dame. However now it insulates the Irish in opposition to a possible third loss. Simply have a look at 9-2 Georgia, which had a lot consternation and hand-wringing amongst its fanbase when Auburn beat Texas A&M, sending the Bulldogs to the SEC Championship Sport. A win clearly means they’re in, however the reverse end result provides UGA a 3rd loss sooner or later earlier than the CFP committee makes its closing determination.
Not solely does Notre Dame keep away from any fear about leaving a bitter impression 24 hours earlier than Choice Sunday, however not having to play in a convention title recreation provides the Irish an added bye week as they put together for the playoff.
Current upsets additionally assist Notre Dame’s case, even in a scenario the place it falls to 10-2. The SEC as soon as appeared prefer it was a lock to snag 4 playoff spots, however Texas A&M, Alabama and Ole Miss all dropping to unranked opponents in Week 13 successfully knocked them out of the at-large race. It additionally appears as if the Huge 12 shall be a one-bid league.
The one factor, at this level, that may completely knock Notre Dame out of the dialog is a blowout loss in opposition to USC. In any other case, even in an in depth defeat, the Irish must be feeling assured.