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Commentary: Gary Pinkel Whiffed On Notre Dame Comments

By Andrew Hall

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Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel made headlines Monday when he targeted Independents, specifically Notre Dame.

Pinkel told ESPN.com: “I think all independents should join a conference, as a general rule. I didn’t say Notre Dame in particular — everybody. You don’t have independents in the NFL. Leagues are leagues. I just think it’s difficult to assess a team that’s not in a league. It’s nothing against Notre Dame, it’s just my opinion.” 

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The jealousy over Notre Dame’s independence is nothing new. Fans, media, coaches and many other have been critical over the Irish lack of need for a conference. Pinkel is just another in the line of many people who do not understand Notre Dame or the schedule they face on a yearly basis.

The biggest flaw in Pinkel’s argument is about assessment of a team that is not in a league. In reality, the large size of the FBS makes it impossible to truly compare teams. Comparing teams in the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12 and ACC is nearly impossible.

Even looking at teams inside Pinkel’s own conference, the SEC, is difficult. Missouri has played well in the SEC during the past two seasons. However, the Tigers play in the lesser of the two divisions of the SEC.

The only way to truly evaluate teams is to look at their entire body of work. According to Lindy’s Preseason Magazine, the Missouri Tigers play two teams ranked inside the Top 25, Georgia and Tennessee. The Irish play three teams ranked in the Top 25. In addition, Missouri plays Southeastern Missouri State and Arkansas State to begin the season. What do we learn from the Tigers blowing out FCS and low FBS teams? Nothing.

If Missouri was undefeated but lost in the SEC Championship, Pinkel would still push for the Tigers to be in the College Football Playoff. He simply would not bow out for not being the conference champion.

Gary Pinkel’s argument is noted but not well reasoned.

With that being said, if Notre Dame struggles to get into the College Football Playoff, the Irish may consider joining the ACC to help their resume. But, at this point, it is too early to know whether or not being in a conference is a deal breaker.

Next: Multiple Irish Players, Brian Kelly Join Preseason Award Watch Lists

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