The ACC's Controversial Targeting of Notre Dame
In a recent media appearance, Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua made a bold claim, stating that his program was 'definitely being targeted' by the ACC in the lead-up to the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection. This allegation has sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts alike.
The race for the final CFP spot was a close one, with Miami and Notre Dame battling it out. While the Fighting Irish maintained their lead in the rankings, Miami's crucial victory over Notre Dame on August 31st proved decisive. This win not only secured Miami's spot in the Playoff but also led to a social media campaign by the ACC, actively promoting the Hurricanes over their defeated rivals.
"We were definitely being targeted," Bevacqua asserted. He highlighted the unique relationship between Notre Dame and the ACC, with the former participating in 24 sports within the conference and having a scheduling agreement. Bevacqua expressed confusion as to why the ACC would attempt to 'damage' Notre Dame, given the value the university brings to the conference.
But here's where it gets interesting: Bevacqua isn't just stopping at calling out the ACC. He's also using this opportunity to advocate for an expanded CFP format. With Notre Dame missing out on the Playoff, Bevacqua believes the time is right for a change.
"In my opinion, it should be 16 teams with five automatic qualifiers and 11 at-large spots," he said. "This year, 16 would have been perfect, including Notre Dame, Texas, Vanderbilt, and more. The current four-team format doesn't always work out perfectly, and an expanded Playoff would create more opportunities and narratives while still preserving the importance of the regular season."
And this is the part most people miss: Bevacqua isn't alone in his desire for an expanded Playoff. Many fans and analysts have long called for a larger field, arguing that it would create more excitement and fairness. However, the CFP currently caps at 12 teams, leaving Notre Dame and other deserving programs on the outside looking in.
So, what do you think? Is Bevacqua right about the ACC targeting Notre Dame? And is an expanded Playoff the solution? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions and spark a discussion on this controversial topic.
