The Debate Over Notre Dame’s Independence in the Era of CFP Expansion
The expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) has reignited a long-standing debate surrounding Notre Dame’s independent status in college football. Penn State head coach James Franklin has openly advocated for every FBS team to belong to a conference and play the same number of conference games, citing fairness and consistency in the CFP selection process. His comments, made during a joint press conference with Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, highlight the complexities and potential inequities arising from the current system where independent teams like Notre Dame operate outside the traditional conference structure. Franklin argues that the differing schedules and lack of a conference championship game for independents make it challenging for the CFP selection committee to objectively compare teams, potentially disadvantaging conference members who face a more rigorous schedule.
Franklin’s argument centers on the principle of "apples to apples" comparison. With some conferences playing eight conference games and others playing nine, plus the added layer of conference championship games, the number of games played by contending teams can vary significantly. This disparity, he believes, makes it difficult for the selection committee to evaluate teams fairly, especially when comparing conference champions with at-large bids. Notre Dame, as an independent, has more flexibility in its scheduling and doesn’t participate in a conference championship game, potentially giving them a perceived advantage in terms of rest and preparation heading into the playoffs. Franklin contends that a standardized system, where all teams belong to a conference and play the same number of conference games, would create a more level playing field and simplify the selection process.
Notre Dame’s independent status, however, is deeply ingrained in the university’s athletic tradition and identity. The Fighting Irish have historically valued their autonomy and the ability to schedule games nationwide, cultivating a national following and maintaining rivalries with various programs across different conferences. This independence has allowed them to forge a unique path in college football, distinguishing them from other programs tied to specific conferences. While other Notre Dame athletic teams participate in the ACC, the football program maintains its independence while holding a scheduling agreement with the conference. This unique arrangement allows Notre Dame to retain its independent identity while still playing a significant number of ACC opponents.
The debate also touches on the structure of conference schedules themselves. Franklin, drawing from his experience coaching in the SEC, favors an eight-game conference schedule, as opposed to the nine-game schedule used by the Big Ten. He argues that the extra conference game in the Big Ten puts teams at a disadvantage in the CFP selection process, as they have one less opportunity to schedule a potentially impactful non-conference opponent. This difference in scheduling philosophy further complicates the comparison of teams from different conferences and highlights the need for a more standardized approach, according to Franklin. A consistent conference schedule across all FBS conferences would further level the playing field and provide more clarity for the selection committee.
The inaugural year of the expanded CFP has already seen controversy surrounding the selection process, with high-profile teams like Alabama being left out despite impressive records. This has amplified concerns about the fairness and transparency of the selection criteria, particularly in light of the scheduling discrepancies between conferences and independent programs. Franklin’s call for a standardized system aims to address these concerns and create a more transparent and equitable selection process. By ensuring that all teams are playing under the same basic structure, the selection committee can focus on evaluating on-field performance without the added complexities of comparing teams with vastly different schedules.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, while acknowledging the pride associated with Notre Dame’s independent status, has adopted a pragmatic approach to the issue. He expressed a willingness to adapt to whatever system is ultimately decided upon, emphasizing his focus on preparing his team for competition regardless of the broader structural debates. He recognizes the potential benefits of the current system, such as the ability to rest and recover during conference championship weekend, but also understands the potential for future changes driven by the evolving landscape of college football. Ultimately, the decision regarding Notre Dame’s conference affiliation rests with the university’s administration, and Freeman expressed confidence in their ability to make choices that best serve the program’s interests. The ongoing dialogue about conference affiliation and playoff expansion underscores the dynamic nature of college football and the ongoing search for a system that balances tradition, competition, and fairness.
