Notre Dame football: Predicting the final CFP ranking in 2021
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football team did everything they could to punch their ticket to the CFP, but in the end, they will likely be on the outside looking in.
The Notre Dame football started out their 2021 college football season with a thrilling victory against Florida State on the road. However, while they won, and Jack Coan set the record for most passing yards in a debut, it was clear that they had their issues on both sides of the ball.
The Irish lost Blake Fisher in that game, an injury that would keep him out the entire year, and that led to a revolving door at left tackle until Joe Alt stepped in and became a star. Also, the defense let up too many big plays to the Seminoles, and going forward, they would struggle against Purdue and Toledo, before losing to Cincinnati at home.
Notre Dame was able to rebound and win their remaining games, and towards the final month of the season, they were playing elite football. The revamped offensive line rejuvenated the run game, and in the end, Kyren Williams would end up with his second 1,000-yard season, the fifth running back in school history to achieve the feat in back-to-back years.
Even with the good feelings down the stretch, the Irish knew they needed help to get into the College Football Playoff. Here, we look at the projected Final Four for the College Football Playoff, and what is next for the Irish.