No, they don't do it for me. And I am well aware that other schools do the same.
But we all need to keep one thing in mind. When the distinguished committee picks the playoff teams, almost every other school being considered will have played 13 games. ND will only have played 12 games. So it behooves ND to play better competition.
It beehives the Irish to play a cupcake or two, as Alabama does, to give the backups more playing time to add more quality depth and esprit de corps amongst all the players not just the starters. And Ball State nearly beat us in 2018 (we won 24 to 16 after barely recovering a onside kick). So the MAC deserves alot more respect than you are giving them.
*** And it is the biggest myth that the Irish need to add a 13th game to help them get a shot at the playoffs. The Irish get preferential treatment by the playoff committee. Ask anyone outside of Irish fandom. 2018 and 2020 Irish in playoffs. Did that 8 point win over Ball State at home alter the distinguished committee members minds against us? The answer is no.
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