ESPN Computer Thinks 1 Top Team Could Still Miss The Playoff

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit is seen during ESPN’s College GameDay show at Times Square on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Notre Dame finished its regular season on Saturday, as the Fighting Irish knocked off USC in Los Angeles. Brian Kelly’s program finished the regular season at 12-0.

The Fighting Irish are now a lock for the College Football Playoff, right?

Well, actually…

ESPN’s computer model thinks there’s actually a chance Notre Dame could still miss the College Football Playoff.

According to ESPN’s FiveThirtyEight, if Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Oklahoma all win next weekend, the College Football Playoff probabilities are as follows:

1. Alabama – 99%
2. Clemson – 99%
3. Ohio State – 70%
4. Oklahoma – 68%
5. Notre Dame – 62%

So,  yes, according to ESPN’s computer, Notre Dame would miss the College Football Playoff if those other four teams win on Saturday.

It seems unlikely that the College Football Playoff selection committee would actually keep a 12-0 Notre Dame team out, though.

Stay tuned.