Notre Dame Football: 3 bowl game possibilities for the Irish in 2017

2. Camping World Bowl (Orlando, Fla.)

The final two possible bowl games for the Irish are where the Big Ten championship comes into play. A Wisconsin win over Ohio State likely spells doom for Alabama’s Playoff hopes, effectively sending the Irish to a less than impressive matchup in the Camping World Bowl.

It all boils down to who plays in the Orange Bowl, as the highest ranked non-Playoff team from either the Big Ten or SEC will face off against the loser of Saturday’s Miami vs. Clemson matchup. Should Alabama find themselves outside of the Playoff, they will play in the Orange Bowl, sending a Big Ten team to the Citrus Bowl and jettisoning the Irish from a prestigious matchup.

Under the pretense that the above situation plays out, Notre Dame would head down to Orlando to face an unappetizing Big 12 opponent. With the Alamo Bowl getting first dibs on whatever Big 12 team doesn’t make the New Year’s Six (likely Oklahoma State), the Irish will be left with either Iowa State, Kansas State, or West Virginia, with the Cyclones being their most likely opponent.

While the World Camping Bowl would be the worst case scenario for the Irish, it’s no less likely to occur. Kelly and company will cross their fingers and hope for an Ohio State victory, but they will take what’s in front of them should they be forced to suit up against Iowa State on December 28th.