Finebaum: CFP committee shows bias toward Notre Dame

Jeff Hauser

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Paul Finebaum blasts College Football Playoff committee for 'obvious' Notre Dame bias image

TL;DR

  • Paul Finebaum criticized the College Football Playoff committee for perceived Notre Dame bias.
  • He believes Notre Dame received preferential treatment over Alabama in recent rankings.
  • Finebaum argued the committee overlooked key losses like Notre Dame's defeat to Miami.
  • He suggested Notre Dame benefits from recognition and independent scheduling, lacking a conference title.

On Tuesday, Paul Finebaum identified a fresh source for his irritation. While appearing on First Take, the veteran ESPN commentator directed criticism toward the College Football Playoff committee.

He alleged the organization showed preference for Notre Dame following the most recent rankings that put the Fighting Irish at the ninth position, one place above Alabama. 

Despite a narrow defeat against Oklahoma, both teams share identical records. However, the Tide boasts a superior strength of schedule and has won their head-to-head matchup. 

“Absolutely not,” Finebaum said when asked if Notre Dame’s placement was valid. “It’s not because of Alabama, it’s just because Notre Dame always seems to get a break. And I hate to be that guy that says, ‘Oh, there’s this Notre Dame bias.’ But it’s pretty obvious there is Notre Dame bias.”

Finebaum contended that the committee overlooked crucial outcomes, such as Notre Dame's defeat early in the season at Miami. He feels this result ought to carry more weight than it seems to in the committee's deliberations. He posited that the Irish continue to gain an advantage from the program's widespread recognition and its independent scheduling. 

“It’s not only Alabama,” he added. “Look at Miami and try to figure out where they are ranked....Apparently, in the eyes of this committee, nothing seems to matter other than their own biases.”

Notre Dame's pair of defeats were against top-15 opponents (Texas A&M and Miami), and the Irish have since defeated USC and thoroughly beaten Pitt. Nevertheless, Alabama boasts four victories against ranked teams, including a win against No. 4 Georgia. While the Irish might receive "the benefit of the doubt," by the season's conclusion, they won't have a conference championship to rely on. 

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