ESPN answers how important Louisville at Notre Dame is for the College Football Playoff

It’s more than you’d think

Notre Dame will be hosting Louisville this coming Saturday, in one of the biggest games across college football during Week 5.

While the No. 2 Georgia at No. 4 Alabama highlights the slate, it’s a game where each team could recover from the loss and still make the [autotag]College Football Playoff[/autotag]. ESPN’s Heather Dinich predicted who will make the 12-team field, and unfortunately for the Irish, she does not currently have them in (subscription required).

The four teams: Clemson, Michigan, USC and Notre Dame were her first four teams to miss the CFP, but there is hope for the Irish. Dinich explains that if they defeat the Cardinals on Saturday, then the hopes to make the tournament go to around 50%.

The bad news is that if Notre Dame falls to Louisville, the chances are significantly lower, to a measly 11%. Dinich notes that according to ESPN Analytics, there isn’t another game being played across the country that will have a bigger impact on the CFP race than in South Bend this weekend.

Notre Dame still has plenty to play for this season, but if they don’t take care of business against Louisville, it may be a lost cause.

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