Why former player believes it was a mistake keeping Notre Dame out of CFP

Even though the committee kept Miami behind Notre Dame until the final reveal on Sunday, it is understandable that the Hurricanes would get the final spot over the Fighting Irish, considering they beat them head-to-head in Week 1.

The main talking point centered around Alabama staying at No. 9 despite getting blown out by No. 3 Georgia, 28-7, in the SEC title game. While the Crimson Tide had -3 rush yards and were never really a factor in the game, they were ultimately rewarded for reaching their conference championship game, especially against a team they defeated on the road earlier this season.

It is certainly fair to point out Alabama's inconsistent play down the stretch and the fact that it has three losses to Notre Dame's two. However, the Fighting Irish had a strength of schedule that ranked 44th in the country and failed to take advantage of early-season showdowns with Miami and Texas A&M, both of whom were 10th and 16th, respectively, when Notre Dame lost to them.

You can also point to the fact that Notre Dame has played like one of the best teams in the country since those losses and has a Heisman-contending running back, Jeremiyah Love (1,372 yards, 18 TDs). That still does not guarantee a spot in the playoff, given the committee's tendency to reward teams that play in their conference title games.

In the end, the committee did not punish Alabama for playing in its conference title game and finally gave Miami the benefit of the head-to-head against Notre Dame. The way it went about it certainly rubbed some people the wrong way, including Notre Dame, which ultimately paid the price for not having a strong resume, losing the head-to-head to Miami and sitting idle on conference championship weekend.