Kirk Herbstreit believes College Football Playoff committee will put Miami in, Notre Dame vs. Alabama for last spot

Alabama is just a few moments away from losing the SEC Championship to Georgia, meaning the College Football Playoff discussion gates are open. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit got the party started, providing what he would do if in charge of setting the 12-team field. Miami fans can breathe easy, in Herbstreit’s opinion, as the debate will go between Alabama and Notre Dame.

“Personally, I think Miami is going to be in,” Herbstreit said. “Because I think BYU‘s loss, the second time to Texas Tech, could ultimately impact them. I think the discussion is going to be Bama and Notre Dame, just in my opinion. I think that’s what they’re going to have to weigh and look at all the things you look at. Bama has a lot of good for them, Notre Dame has some good for them. So, it’s going to be an interesting discussion, I’m sure, in that room.”

If Herbstreit’s scenario plays out, this would mean Alabama drops two spots in order to be left out. Losing by 21 does not tell the full story, as Georgia dominated throughout. There was never really a moment when Alabama threatened to win the game, possibly playing a role in what the committee decides to do.

Miami and Notre Dame have been two of the most debated teams throughout this process. Head-to-head is the key metric in the conversation, at least from the outside. The CFP rankings have consistently had Notre Dame ahead of Miami, despite the Hurricanes winning back in Week 1.

A way to completely avoid choosing between the two is just putting them both in. Herbstreit gave his prediction for the committee to at least make people in Coral Gables quite happy. The folks in South Bend and Tuscaloosa — it’s to be determined.

ESPN insider gives another College Football Playoff scenario

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg believes we might see another flip-flop between the Crimson Tide and Notre Dame, potentially saving the committee from a tough decision.

“If committee flipped Alabama and Notre Dame for no good reason last week, what’s to stop them for flipping them back if the Tide are blown out?” Rittenberg asked via X. “Could then justify keeping Miami out. Not saying it’s right but …”

Tuesday night brought a curious move in the penultimate rankings. Alabama moved ahead of Notre Dame despite only winning by seven on the road against Auburn. Notre Dame played quite well itself, blowing out rival Stanford on the road. At the time, many wondered if the committee was setting itself up for tough choices on Selection Sunday.