January 1, Playoff Snub Stirs Fury Among Notre Dame Fans

Wyatt’s Take

• Ed Orgeron says Alabama’s spot isn’t right
• Bama’s selection sparks talk of bias
• Lane Kiffin’s move to LSU called smart, not sneaky

The College Football Playoff kicks off Friday, stirring up strong feelings across the heartland. Notre Dame, despite ranking tenth, lost out on a playoff spot to Alabama, a team with three losses, and Miami, despite Notre Dame’s earlier season win over both.

Former LSU coach Ed Orgeron didn’t have playoff worries coaching a perfect 2019 season, but he’s clear about this year’s choices.

“I don’t think a team with three losses ought to be playing for the national championship. Notre Dame should have got in ahead of Alabama,” he said.

Bama’s pick has folks talking about possible favoritism, since ESPN and ABC, who broadcast the games, have big contracts with the SEC. Orgeron thinks the SEC still looks strong, though the Big Ten and Big 12 have picked up steam.

“The SEC was dominant. But now, the Big Ten, Big 12 are catching up, they’ve had the national champ a couple of years now. I don’t know what’s happened with the SEC and bias, all that stuff. Is there a chance that they have it? I’m not going to get into that. But I do know this — they’re very strong,” Orgeron said.

Lane Kiffin switched from Ole Miss to LSU, which raised some eyebrows. But Orgeron says the timing and move made sense, even if it ruffled some feathers.

“Look, the timing of it, when he did it, that’s his choice. But he had to do it at that time to get the job he wanted. The calendar is wrong in college football. I wish they had the rule like the NFL, that you cannot talk to a coach until their season is over,” Orgeron added.

Orgeron’s advice for returning LSU to glory was simple:

“Keep on doing what you’re doing. He knows what he’s doing. Recruit, evaluate like he’s doing. He’s the king of the transfer portal. He’ll be able to dominate the SEC like he’s been doing. Keep on doing what you’re doing.”

Recently out of coaching, Orgeron expects to return soon, saying he’s in contact with folks and open to the right job, whether as head coach, D-line coach, or recruiting coordinator. He’s confident a new chance will come soon.

Got skin in this year’s College Football Playoff debate? Let us hear from you, and stick around for more hard-nosed sports talk that speaks your language.

Wyatt Matters

Folks around here know what fair play looks like, and they don’t stand for backroom deals. Accountability and hard work should matter on the field and off—just like in life in Middle America.

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