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The First CFP Rankings Are Here
As expected, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish landed in the Top 4 of the first 2020 College Football Playoff rankings this evening. If the playoff were to happen today, this is the place where the Irish would be. They would hypothetically take on Clemson again in the #2/#3 semifinal. But, with the rest of the season playing out, that scenario seems somewhat unlikely.
One goal in sight. ☘️ #GoIrish x #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/UisDRXyshU
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 25, 2020
Alabama comes in at #1, and Ohio State comes in at #4 behind the Tigers. That win against Clemson earlier this month was huge for the Irish not just for knocking off the #1 team, but of course for a higher ranking in the CFP over Clemson. Also, this lends to the suggestion that even a potential loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game (if that happens) could still put the Irish into the playoff if that is the only loss. We have a lot to see yet, though.
The first round of the #CFBPlayoff rankings are here
— ESPN (@espn) November 25, 2020
Here's a look at the top six: pic.twitter.com/WYu0g8tCm6
Rest of the Top 25
Take a look at the full #CFBPlayoff Top 25 rankings for games played through November 21.
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) November 25, 2020
Is your team in?
pic.twitter.com/OtdHoYKODN
The Irish’s past and future opponents in the CFP Top 25 are #19 UNC and Clemson at #3. The Irish play the #19 Tar Heels this coming Friday afternoon.
As the Irish and the Tigers seem to be on a collision course for a rematch in the ACC Championship Game next month, all eyes will probably be on what both teams do the rest of the way. With the Irish’s win over Clemson, the argument to keep both teams in the Top 4 at the end of the season becomes more intriguing.