Notre Dame announced no official changes to their playoff strategy following back-to-back losses that dropped the Irish to 0-2. But Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt provided clarity on The Joel Klatt Show about the team’s remaining path to the College Football Playoff.
“Are they done? … The answer is no,” Klatt said. “That was two last-minute losses to what we believe … will continue to be really good teams.”
The losses came against Miami and Texas A&M, both programs Klatt expects to finish in the top five. Losing on the road to Miami and by one point in College Station carries different weight than losses to unranked opponents.
Notre Dame no longer controls its playoff destiny.
“Nine and three with those losses and what’s left on the schedule is not going to get them in. They do have to run the table. They’re going to have to run out 10 straight victories.”
The win-out scenario presents challenges but remains possible. Notre Dame’s remaining schedule includes USC and NC State as potential résumé builders.
“You need those two teams to be quality opponents so that if and when Notre Dame can beat those teams … those can be looked upon as quality wins,” Klatt explained.
The Irish face a scheduling disadvantage without marquee SEC or Big Ten opponents remaining. Their playoff hopes depend partly on other teams’ success.
If Miami wins the ACC and Texas A&M competes for the SEC title, those early losses gain context. Wins over higher-ranked USC and NC State teams could provide the credibility Notre Dame’s playoff résumé needs.
CJ Carr has led an offense averaging 32 points per game through two starts. The freshman quarterback has moved the ball effectively in his early appearances.
Notre Dame’s defense has struggled significantly. The unit has recorded just one sack and one forced turnover through two games under Marcus Freeman.
Until the Irish find defensive balance, running the table remains a challenge.
Klatt summarized the situation: “Not done, but zero margin for error … and you’re kind of rooting for some other teams along the way to enhance the résumé.”
The season isn’t over for Notre Dame. But one more loss ends their playoff chances completely.
