The importance of the Clemson game obviously can't be overstated but the "path" to a National Title is impacted dramatically.
A few assumptions, Alabama beats Florida, Ohio State beats Northwestern. Not out on a limb for either.
With a Notre Dame win,
#1 Alabama
#2 Notre Dame
#3 Texas A&M
#4 Ohio State.
Remember, this is a TV show, so even though Ohio State is better than Texas A&M they are not going to have Bama play A&M in round one since they have played already (the Committee will say 8-1 is more impressive than 6-0, etc). This is the easiest road to the title game for the Irish. Whomever gets A&M in round 1 gets to the title game. They stink.
With a Notre Dame loss
#1 Alabama
#2 Clemson
#3 Ohio State
#4 Notre Dame.
You get Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. You don't beat Alabama in round 1 when they have all that prep time. They are far more vulnerable in the shorter turnaround for game 2.
Needless to say, the ACC title game could not be more important for ND.
A few assumptions, Alabama beats Florida, Ohio State beats Northwestern. Not out on a limb for either.
With a Notre Dame win,
#1 Alabama
#2 Notre Dame
#3 Texas A&M
#4 Ohio State.
Remember, this is a TV show, so even though Ohio State is better than Texas A&M they are not going to have Bama play A&M in round one since they have played already (the Committee will say 8-1 is more impressive than 6-0, etc). This is the easiest road to the title game for the Irish. Whomever gets A&M in round 1 gets to the title game. They stink.
With a Notre Dame loss
#1 Alabama
#2 Clemson
#3 Ohio State
#4 Notre Dame.
You get Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. You don't beat Alabama in round 1 when they have all that prep time. They are far more vulnerable in the shorter turnaround for game 2.
Needless to say, the ACC title game could not be more important for ND.
