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College Football Playoff 2020 projections after Week 11 action

By Michael Hanich

Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) talks to Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) in the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) talks to Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) in the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2020; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Ben Skowronek (11) celebrates after scoring against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Ben Skowronek (11) celebrates after scoring against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-0)

This deep into the season, many experts believed that the lone undefeated ACC team would be the Clemson Tigers. After the win over those Tigers in Week 10, the Irish were almost expected to fall for a trap game against a tough Boston College team.

The Irish went into the game against the Eagles with no doubt in their mind that they could excel as the favorite to win the ACC. They also wanted to use this game to showcase their worth to appear in their second College Football Playoff in three years.

Against the Eagles, the Fighting Irish displayed a strong offensive presence in the first half as they scored 31 points. Ian Book had a big game once again as he threw for 283 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and had a QBR of 97.6 on 20-of-27 completions. He also rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Northwestern transfer Ben Skowronek caught five passes for 63 yards and all three of Book’s passing scores.

The Irish are elevating themselves as one of the most complete teams in college football along with Alabama, Ohio State and Clemson. They could beat Clemson twice this season, which would ultimately allow a team from either the Pac-12, Big 12 or Group of Five to get that fourth and final spot in the playoff field.

The Irish will still be the underdogs in a rematch against Clemson which is why even if they lose in the ACC title game, they could be the fourth team in.

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