Stephen A. Smith trends after his comments about Notre Dame's CFP snub

Jeff Hauser

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Stephen A. Smith trends after his comments about Notre Dame's CFP snub image

Stephen A. Smith has always considered himself a hot take artist. But his latest criticism of Notre Dame sent him trending across college football circles this week.

While on ESPN’s First Take, Smith blasted the Irish for declining a bowl berth after missing the College Football Playoff, calling the move “selfish” and emblematic of problems the program created for itself.

“Put on your big boy pants,” Smith said, arguing that Notre Dame should “accept accountability for the role you played.” He went directly to the season-opening loss to Miami and the program’s continued independence as key factors in the Irish being left out of the final rankings.

Smith noted that by refusing to join a conference, Notre Dame forfeited the chance to boost its resume on championship weekend. While teams like Alabama, who took a 28-7 loss in the SEC title game, remained in the field after three losses. 

Notre Dame became the most prominent of more than 10 programs to decline a postseason invite, a decision the school framed as a statement of dissatisfaction with missing the CFP by one spot.

The Irish hurt themselves by staying independent and then compounded the problem by opting out of a bowl, which some feel is unfair to players. Others defended Notre Dame, insisting the committee mishandled the final rankings.

Smith’s blunt challenge to Notre Dame is part of adapting to the modern playoff landscape. Play by the rule or run the risk of being left out. It's a talking point many will debate as the CFP field continues to get reduced round by round. 

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Staff Writer