Paul Finebaum shreds CFP committee over ‘totally ridiculous’ ranking of Notre Dame
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There are always things to nitpick when the College Football Playoff committee releases its weekly rankings. However, there is heavy criticism being thrown the committee’s way on Wednesday following its placement of Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish were No. 9 in the CFP rankings a week ago. They remained at No. 9 this week after trouncing Pitt — which was ranked No. 22 last week — 37-15 in Week 12. They certainly didn’t deserve to drop for their performance, but seeing them ranked ahead of Alabama — which is 8-2 following a home loss to Oklahoma — has many people, including Paul Finebaum, up in arms.
“In terms of where [Notre Dame is] ranked, it’s totally ridiculous,” Finebaum said Wednesday morning on Get Up. “We love the college football season, but I don’t know why we waste time with it, considering Notre Dame is already in the Playoff in August.”
Finebaum’s ire toward the Fighting Irish doesn’t solely center on their ranking above the Crimson Tide. He’s also bothered by them being slotted so clearly above Miami, which beat Notre Dame 27-24 to kick off the season. He suggested the Fighting Irish’s strong national brand leads them to receive favorable treatment from the committee.
“Notre Dame lost its first 2 games of the year. They lost to Miami and now they’re ranked ahead of Miami,” he continued. “It rubs me beyond the wrong way. I’ve been hearing… that Notre Dame, there’s a bias. There is a bias. Let’s just go ahead and admit it.”
Barring a 2-bid Big 12, Alabama should be in the CFP as long as it wins out. Miami, on the other hand, needs help on both the ACC Championship and at-large fronts. Notre Dame hosts Syracuse (3:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) in Week 13.
