Season got real weird, real quick
On Sunday, both the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll released their latest set of rankings. Going into the Northern Illinois game, Notre Dame was ranked #5 by the AP and #7 by the coaches. The 16-14 loss to NIU sent the Irish tumbling — but maybe not far enough after one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen by an Irish team (pretty sure that’s not hyperbole).
Notre Dame is now ranked #18 in the AP and #19 in the Coaches Poll.
Okay.
As far as Notre Dame’s opponents are concerned, only two remaining opponents are currently ranked with the USC Trojans coming in at #11 and the Louisville Cardinals at #19/#21. Notre Dame’s lone win this season is against the Texas A&M Aggies — who are probably one win away from cracking the top 25. Northern Illinois was slotted in at #25, and with their entire MAC Schedule left along with a road game against the NC State Wolfpack — they might actually control their own destiny as far as the Group of Five playoff spot goes.
Anyways… I’m actually surprised Notre Dame didn’t drop further and yes it’s dumb that they are ranked ahead of NIU.