In one shocking turn of events, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> were left out of the College Football Playoff. In their place, in came the Miami Hurricanes. Folllowing the controversial decision, Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua has taken a vivid shot at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).



The school in South Bend, Indiana, is making its frustration visible after the Fighting Irish (10-2) were left out of the College Football Playoff for the 10-2 (6-2 ACC) <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-hurricanes">Hurricanes</a>. At the end of the day, the head-to-head record was the tiebreaker between the two rival schools. In addition to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/notre-dame-makes-strong-decision-after-being-left-out-of-2025-college-football-playoffs">strong decision made by Notre Dame after being left out of the CFP</a>, Bevacqua is now aiming at the entire Atlantic Coast Conference now. 



“I have tremendous respect for Miami and every team in the ACC. We were mystified by the actions of the conference… to attack their biggest business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 other sports,” Bevacqua stated, via The Dan Patrick Show. “They have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame. 



“We didn’t appreciate the fact we were singled out repeatedly and compared to Miami. Not by Miami. Miami has every right to do that. But it raised a lot of eyebrows here that the conference was taking shots at us.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251208_BUS_541856_marcus-freeman_b86f8d9f.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Marcus Freeman arriving for a game" class="wp-image-513277" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Marcus Freeman at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Safe to say Notre Dame is staying independent</h2>



As Notre Dame is one of a select group of independent schools in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a>, Bevacqua’s statements carry much more weight and symbolism. While many fans are angry at the Selection Committee, the AD in South Bend shined a light on the ACC, hinting the conference tipped the scale in favor of Miami. 


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Now, it’s safe to assume Notre Dame football program won’t be joining the Atlantic Coast Conference any time soon—at least not while the wounds are still fresh and open from what some believe to be a betrayal by the ACC toward the Irish.



It’s a tale as old as time in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a>. Notre Dame knows what it wins and loses by staying independent. This time, the Fighting Irish have gotten the short end of the stick. As for the ACC, the conference vouched for a member school to make the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/cfp-final-rankings-and-bracket-revealed-which-teams-are-playing-the-2025-college-football-playoffs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFP bracket</a> instead of an independent program in college football, so it really can’t be blamed. However, the story might be seen quite differently in South Bend.



<h2>Bevacqua confirms eyebrow-raising clause</h2>



While the Fighting Irish are irate at the latest CFP decision, pointing the finger at collusion by the conferences, they are proving to be once bitten twice shy. Now, a report has come out indicating Notre Dame has signed a term protecting itself from ever being in the same spot again.



“I don’t want to say too much about the memorandum of understanding, but that’s certainly been reported and it’s out there, and what you said is accurate,” Bevacqua said on The Dan Patrick Show. “Correct, [if Notre Dame is ranked in the top-12 next year, the school is automatically in].”



According to a report from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the CFP and Notre Dame, the independent school automatically clinches a playoff berth if it’s ranked 12 or higher in the final college football rankings. Though the report made much noise around the country, Bevacqua has now confirmed it. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for fans to point at what many call preferential treatment for Notre Dame.


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Not Marcus Freeman: Notre Dame key figure fires candid shot at ACC after CFP snub for Miami

Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua fires candid shot at ACC after CFP snub for Miami - Bolavip US

Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua fires candid shot at ACC after CFP snub for Miami

miniaturas

In a shocking turn of events, Marcus Freeman’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> were left out of the College Football Playoffs on Selection Day. Shortly after, the program reacted with a blunt decision in the 2025 NCAA season.



Following the controversial decision by the CFP Selection Committee to leave Notre Dame out of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/cfp-final-rankings-and-bracket-revealed-which-teams-are-playing-the-2025-college-football-playoffs">12-team College Football Playoffs bracket</a>, the Fighting Irish (10-2) have decided to opt out of their bowl game in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> campaign. 



“As a team, we’ve decided to withdraw out name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season. We appreciate all the support from out families and fans, and we’re hoping to bring the 12th national title to South Bend in 2026,” the school’s official statement read.



<h2>Controversial decision to leave Notre Dame out</h2>



Coming into Conference Championship Saturday in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a>, the Selection Committee had Notre Dame ranked above the Miami Hurricanes. However, after a weekend in which neither school played, the Committee suddenly changed its mind and decided the Canes were more deserving of the postseason berth than the Irish. In the end, the head-to-head result played a major role, with Miami’s Week 1 win over Notre Dame reigning supreme. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251207_BUS_541303_Marcus-Freeman-14_3c0c01fe.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Marcus Freeman Notre Dame HC" class="wp-image-371693" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend, Indiana.</figcaption></figure>



While that’s a reasonable argument, there was no explanation as to what actually changed during the week for the Hurricanes to be sent to the playoffs instead of the Fighting Irish. The CFP Selection Committee eventually <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/cfp-breaks-silence-on-choosing-miami-alabama-over-notre-dame-for-the-playoffs">broke its silence on the decision to send Alabama and Miami over Notre Dame</a>, but fans in South Bend are far from satisfied with the explanation.


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<h2>When was the last time Notre Dame didn’t play a bowl game?</h2>



College football fans may firmly oppose Notre Dame’s longtime stance on not joining a conference, but it has undeniably led to plenty of success for the program in Indiana. As a result, six-win seasons are virtually a gimme for the Fighting Irish.



Though for very different reasons, Notre Dame is now ending a long streak of consecutive bowl appearances. The last time the Irish finished an NCAA campaign without making a postseason appearance was in 2016, when they closed the year with a 4-8 record under Brian Kelly.


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Notre Dame makes strong decision after being left out of 2025 College Football Playoffs

Notre Dame makes strong decision after being left out of 2025 College Football Playoffs - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/cfp-final-rankings-and-bracket-revealed-which-teams-are-playing-the-2025-college-football-playoffs">The final brackets for the upcoming College Football Playoffs</a> have been revealed, and to the surprise of many, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish were left out of the main field. Instead, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Miami Hurricanes earned the privilege of competing for a spot in the National Championship Game.



Regarding the situation, insider Pete Thamel revealed on his X account that CFP Chair Hunter Yurachek explained the reasons behind the committee’s decision to leave Marcus Freeman’s team out of this decisive stage.



“Once we moved Miami ahead of BYU, we had that side-by-side comparison (with ND) that everyone had been hungering for,” Yurachek said. “The one metric we had to fall back on was the head-to-head.” He also added that Miami and Notre Dame’s resumes “almost equal.”



<h2>Alabama makes the cut despite final-game loss</h2>



Despite a tough defeat against Georgia in their final outing, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alabama">Alabama</a> successfully earned an at-large bid and secured a spot in the newly expanded CFP field. The committee’s decision highlighted the value of its entire season resume, which included multiple impressive victories over ranked opponents and overall strength of schedule.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251207_BUS_541179_kalen-deboer-8_08b54d30.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Kalen DeBoer Alabama Crimson Tide" class="wp-image-491219" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide.</figcaption></figure>



While the loss cost the Crimson Tide a first-round bye, their body of work was deemed strong enough to land them an opening-round matchup against Oklahoma, affirming their inclusion as one of the nation’s 12 best teams.


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<h2>Hurricanes clinch a spot in the Top 12</h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-hurricanes">Miami Hurricanes</a> cemented their return to national prominence by earning a coveted spot in the CFP, effectively dispatching rivals of the caliber of Notre Dame and BYU for inclusion. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251207_BUS_541179_carson-beck-1_32c60f73.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Carson Beck Hurricanes QB" class="wp-image-483068" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Carson Beck #11 of the Miami Hurricanes.</figcaption></figure>



Their impressive run through a rigorous schedule, capped by key victories, demonstrated their undeniable quality and justified their ranking in the CFP final rankings. It all started with a season opening win over Notre Dame, which ultimately gave Miami the upper hand in the committee’s decision.



By securing a bid, the Hurricanes showcased a stronger overall resume than both <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame</a> and BYU, proving they were one of the 12 most deserving teams in the country and setting up an exciting first-round showdown with Texas A&amp;M.

CFP breaks silence on choosing Miami, Alabama over Notre Dame for the playoffs

CFP breaks silence on choosing Miami, Alabama over Notre Dame for the playoffs - Bolavip US

The wait is finally over. In a long-awaited Selection Day, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee has announced the final rankings to determine which 12 teams will compete in the 2025 CFP, setting up the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a> postseason bracket and the bowl games:



<ol><li>Indiana</li><li>Ohio State</li><li>Georgia</li><li>Texas Tech</li><li>Oregon</li><li>Ole Miss</li><li>Texas A&amp;M</li><li>Oklahoma</li><li>Alabama</li><li>Miami</li><li>Tulane</li><li>James Madison</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1056" height="522" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251207_BUS_541111_image-1_bbc38cf2.webp&amp;width=1056&amp;height=522" alt="" class="wp-image-541161"></figure><figcaption>via ESPN</figcaption></figure>



While the top seeds didn’t take anyone by surprise, the final spots did give plenty to talk about. After days of speculation, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/cfp-breaks-silence-on-choosing-miami-alabama-over-notre-dame-for-the-playoffs">CFP committee ended up leaving the Notre Dame Fighting Irish out</a> of the postseason, with BYU listed as the second team out.



Instead, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/cfp-final-rankings-and-bracket-revealed-which-teams-are-playing-the-2025-college-football-playoffs">Alabama and Miami were ranked higher than Notre Dame</a>. A decision that will probably have people discussing for weeks, since these three teams had a very similar season.



<h2>College Football Playoff Bowl Games set</h2>



With the playoff field set, so are this year’s bowl games. Ohio State has been assigned the Cotton Bowl game, facing the winner of Miami vs Texas A&amp;M. Tulane and Ole Miss will play for the right to face <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/georgia">Georgia</a> in the Sugar Bowl, whereas Indiana will play the Rose Bowl against Alabama or Oklahoma. Texas Tech will take part in the Orange Bowl against the winner of Oregon-James Madison.



<ul><li>Dec. 19, 8PM ET – Alabama @ OU</li><li>Dec. 20, 12PM ET – Miami @ A&amp;M</li><li>Dec. 20, 3:30PM ET – Tulane @ Ole Miss</li><li>Dec. 20, 7:30PM ET – JMU @ Oregon</li></ul>



<ul><li>Dec. 31, 7:30PM ET – Cotton Bowl – Ohio State</li><li>Jan. 1, 12PM ET – Orange Bowl – Texas Tech</li><li>Jan. 1, 4PM ET – Rose Bowl – <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana">Indiana</a></li><li>Jan. 1, 8PM ET – Sugar Bowl – Georgia</li></ul>



<h2>Alabama and Miami in, Notre Dame out of 2025 CFP</h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alabama">Alabama</a> Crimson Tide dropped to 10-3 after suffering a blowout loss to the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers on the national spotlight in the 2025 SEC Championship Game, yet Kalen DeBoer’s men weren’t affected by it.



Miami finished 10-2, just like Notre Dame, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-hurricanes">Hurricanes</a>‘ win over the Fighting Irish in the season opener appeared to give Mario Cristobal’s team the upper hand.



With only 12 teams making the postseason, Marcus Freeman’s boys will be unable to try and redeem themselves from their loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in last year’s final. Instead, Miami will have a shot at chasing the title decider at home.



<h2>When and where will the CFP National Championship Game take place?</h2>



This season’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game will be held on Monday, January 19, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Needless to say, a golden opportunity for the Hurricanes after narrowly making the playoff field.

CFP final rankings, bracket, schedule, and bowl games revealed: Which teams are playing the 2025 College Football Playoffs?

CFP final rankings, bracket, schedule, and bowl games revealed: Which teams are playing the 2025 College Football Playoffs? - Bolavip US

CFP final rankings, field, bracket, schedule, and bowl games set

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College Football</a> Playoff are incredibly fun to be a part of. Unfortunately for Notre Dame, the program was left out by the CFP selection committee. However, Alabama and Miami are playing for a chance to go on a run all the way to the National Championship. Why is this?



The fact is that the selection committee ranked <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alabama" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alabama</a> and Miami higher than Notre Dame. This will surely be controversial as there is a case for Notre Dame to be good enough whether it’s because of head to head matters or overall resume. Still, it wasn’t enough for the historic program to fit into the 12-team bracket.



This is yet another example of the CFP selection committee making controversial calls, as many analysts thought <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Notre Dame</a> was arguably a top 10 team to end the season. However, the fact that the Fighting Irish lost to Miami might have been the definitive factor to put the Hurricanes in. Rules to get in must be clearer.



<h2>It’s a heartbreaking moment for Notre Dame</h2>



The fact that not only was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-hurricanes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami</a> in and Notre Dame excluded, but Alabama at 10-3 also got in over the Fighting Irish must be devastating for the program. Alabama also ended with a blowout loss in the SEC Championship game to Georgia. Apparently, that wasn’t enough for the selection committee to give Notre Dame the nod.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251207_BUS_541121_cj-carr-3_41ee1bc4.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="CJ Carr of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish" class="wp-image-482968" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>CJ Carr of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish</figcaption></figure>



Alabama is the first three-loss team to make the CFP Playoff as an at-large participant. Also, Notre Dame was ahead of Miami for every playoff rankings iteration this year despite losing to them. All in all, this is as crushing as it could get for Notre Dame.


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<h2>Other teams might also feel snubbed</h2>



While programs like Tulane and James Madison are in the CFP Playoff bracket, others like Notre Dame, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/texas-longhorns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas</a>, BYU and Vanderbilt were left out. Records aside, there is an argument that all these four teams are better than Tulane and James Madison, but this just proves one of two things: the selection committee must change the way the teams are ranked, or the playoffs must have 16 teams as opposed to only 12 programs.



After all, the SBC and the AAC are not exactly the best conferences in College Football. The tiebreakers are also bringing a heavy dose of controversy as they are too complex. Analysts are very eager to make it simpler in a more conventional ranking system.

Why are Alabama and Miami and not Notre Dame playing the 2025 College Football Playoffs?

Why are Alabama and Miami and not Notre Dame playing the 2025 College Football Playoffs? - Bolavip US

Marcus Freeman clinched his tenth regular-season victory with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame</a> in what was an easy win against Stanford. Now, with a 10-2 record, he spoke candidly about the Fighting Irish’s future in the College Football Playoff, sending a clear message to the committee.



Freeman was explicit in stating that Notre Dame is better than other teams currently being considered for the CFP field: “It’s hard for me to believe that there are 12 better teams than Notre Dame as we consider who should be in the playoffs,” the coach told ESPN after the Stanford win.



He didn’t stop there, sending an indirect message to the CFP committee by stating: “Won 10 straight games in a row. You want the 12 best teams,” referencing Notre Dame’s strong season, which included victories over two ranked teams: No. 20 USC and No. 22 Pittsburgh.



<h2>The final decision for Notre Dame</h2>



It must be noted that the CFP committee will ultimately decide Notre Dame’s fate. While they may have had a strong season and as Freeman said, “We’re playing as well as we’ve played all season”, a strong winning streak is not a guarantee that they will compete for the national title.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">"Won 10 straight games in a row. You want the 12 best teams." – Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman on why the Irish deserve to be in the playoffs. <a href="https://t.co/xF0fEPHeYW">pic.twitter.com/xF0fEPHeYW</a>— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfreeman05_/status/1995042188036829552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



If they receive another CFP opportunity, it would be the second consecutive appearance for Freeman as head coach, and only the fourth time in program history they’ve reached the CFP. Last season, they advanced all the way to the national championship game before losing.


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<h2>The case against Notre Dame for the CFP</h2>



There is a possibility that Notre Dame could be left completely out of the CFP. This would happen if Alabama and BYU both win their conference titles, as Kyle Bonagura of ESPN explained in a recent article, also noting that the Irish would need other results to go their way.



“If No. 10 Alabama (SEC) and No. 11 BYU (Big 12) win their conference title games, they would clinch playoff spots, leaving Notre Dame as possibly the first team out. In that scenario, Notre Dame would need to leapfrog some team it is currently ranked behind — likely No. 8 Oklahoma, which beat LSU 17-13 on Saturday.”

Marcus Freeman sends strong message on Notre Dame as CFP debate heats up

Marcus Freeman sends strong message on Notre Dame as CFP debate heats up - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame</a> enters the final week of the regular season to play Stanford today, November 29th, in a highly significant matchup. A win would move them closer to the College Football Playoff, but a loss could completely alter their postseason narrative.



The Fighting Irish will face Stanford not only as the No. 9 ranked team in the nation but also with an 86% probability (ESPN) of reaching this year’s 12-team College Football Playoff. Therefore, a victory against Stanford would significantly boost those chances.



However, if Notre Dame loses on the road against Stanford, things could get complicated. They would finish with a 10-3 record, which does not favor their playoff aspirations. Furthermore, they would then need to rely heavily on other results to avoid losing their chance to compete for the national title.



<h2>The final say rests with the CFP committee</h2>



It must be remembered that there is no guaranteed formula for Notre Dame given their current situation. Before the Stanford game, they were heavily dependent on Ohio State defeating Michigan to prevent another Big Ten team from entering the playoff picture, and the Buckeyes delivered.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Marcus Freeman said, "You waste time daydreaming about an uncertain future. Who cares?" "The future is uncertain. So focus on being the best version of you today." No one wins tomorrow. They win today – one rep, one habit at a time. (<a href="https://twitter.com/tbhorka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tbhorka</a>)<a href="https://t.co/EDwhnmB2A3">pic.twitter.com/EDwhnmB2A3</a>— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachajkings/status/1994903699748270421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



Vanderbilt recently defeated Tennessee and improved their CFP chances, but they, too, must await the final decision from the committee. Miami is another team with a 10-2 record, and even BYU (11-1) is hoping to somehow be favored by the committee.



“You start thinking about the big picture and an uncertain future, that’s added pressure you don’t need,” Marcus Freeman told The Intelligencer about the CFP and the Stanford game, which the news outlet labeled a must-win scenario for Notre Dame. “This game is the Super Bowl. It can’t be lip service. Your actions have to follow that. If our actions do follow that, I’m confident we’ll be prepared for the opportunity Saturday.”

What happens if Notre Dame loses or wins against Stanford today, November 29?

What happens if Notre Dame loses or wins against Stanford today, November 29? - Bolavip US

It’s been a season to forget for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-college">Boston College Eagles</a>, far from what many expected at the start of the year. But spoiling Notre Dame’s playoff hopes could be just the spark they need. Grayson James and the Eagles host one of the nation’s title contenders, looking to earn their second win of the season.



In a last-minute piece of news, it was finally confirmed that the player who had been the starting QB for Boston College will not take part from the beginning, after the last loss to Louisville where James got banged up.



His place will be taken by Dylan Lonergan, who has had significant participation throughout the season for the Eagles. Head coach Bill O’Brien continues to look for answers at a position that has struggled badly in all of its appearances.



“Sources: Boston College will start Dylan Lonergan at quarterback against No. 12 Notre Dame today. Grayson James started the past two games for the Eagles, but he got banged up against Louisville. It’s not a serious injury, and James could be available today,” the insider Pete Thamel reported via X.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251101_BUS_519147_boston-college-eagles-1024x576_78f0d669.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Boston College Eagles" class="wp-image-519188" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Grayson James #3 of the Boston College Eagles.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>A season to forget</h2>



The Boston College Eagles football program is facing a grim reality check, currently sitting at a deeply disappointing 1-7 overall record (0-5 ACC) following seven consecutive losses. 


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The early-season struggles have completely derailed any hope of bowl eligibility, and the road ahead offers little relief for Bill O’Brien’s squad. The team faces a brutal finishing stretch that begins with the historic rivalry game against the No. 12-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish, followed by a home matchup against the surging SMU Mustangs, and a clash with the No. 8-ranked, undefeated Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 



With a tough road trip to Syracuse also on the horizon, the Eagles’ final month will be a true test of their resolve against some of the toughest opponents on their schedule.

Is Grayson James playing today, November 1, for Boston College vs Notre Dame?

Is Grayson James playing today, November 1, for Boston College vs Notre Dame? - Bolavip US

Marcus Freeman and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> have bounced back after an 0-2 start to the 2025 NCAA season. With five wins in a row, CJ Carr and the team must now gear up for a final stretch amid a sea of adversity. Following the 34-24 win over the No. 20 USC Trojans, another injury has hit the program.



Notre Dame finally won its first game over a ranked opponent in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college football</a> season. Though a source of speculation and controversy around the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCAA</a>, the Fighting Irish are currently ranked on 12th place in the AP top 25 Poll. However, their ranked status might be at stake as key injuries are piling up on the trenches.



Starting guard Billy Schrauth injured his right knee during the Fighting Irish’s win over the Trojans in Northern Indiana. He returned to the gridiron for a while, but was ruled out by the medical team on Freeman’s staff during the fourth quarter. With a game against the Boston College Eagles on the horizon, Freeman, Carr, and the Irish will most likely be without the offensive lineman.



“Billy Schrauth sustained a knee injury that will likely sideline him for multiple games,” according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. “Notre Dame on Tuesday said Schrauth will miss the game at Boston College on Nov. 1.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251021_BUS_513266_marcus-freeman-3-1024x576_a606805a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Marcus Freeman Notre Dame HC" class="wp-image-471529" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Marcus Freeman on September 28, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Freeman’s statement</h2>



“I know he was able to get back in there, but hobbled out again, and he was able to lead our team in the fight song,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said of Schrauth following Saturday’s game. “That’s what’s most important. When we win, Billy leads us in the fight song.”


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Schrauth’s absence is impactful for Notre Dame in more ways than one. For a team that heavily relies on running back Jeremiyah Love and is led on offense by redshirt freshman CJ Carr, watching the offensive line miss key pieces is a very concerning sight. In addition to Schrauth’s injury, the Fighting Irish are also without starting center Ashton Craig, who is out for the season.



<h2>Final stretch</h2>



With five games remaining in the 2025 NCAA season, Notre Dame can’t afford a misstep. Up next, the Fighting Irish will visit the Eagles (1-6, 0-4 conference) in Chestnut Hill. Needless to say, if Freeman and his team are serious about making the postseason, they can’t lose to a program currently languishing at the bottom of the ACC standings.



Afterwards, Notre Dame will go toe to toe with the 6-0 Navy Midshipmen, 5-2 Pittsburgh Panthers, 3-4 Syracuse Orange, and 3-4 Stanford Cardinal. If all goes according to plan, Freeman and the Fighting Irish will make their case for the College Football Playoff. However, even the tiniest slip-up would be catastrophic to their postseason hopes.


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Marcus Freeman confirms troubling news as CJ Carr, Notre Dame will be without key teammate - Bolavip US

Freeman confirms troubling news as Carr, Notre Dame will miss key teammate

One of the biggest <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a> stories of the past few days was the firing of James Franklin as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, a move that surprised many. One person who weighed in was fellow coach Marcus Freeman, leader of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who offered his first comments on the situation.


 


When results on the field don’t meet expectations, the head coach is often the first to take the fall. After a string of tough losses, the Lions’ front office made the significant decision to part ways with Franklin.



Marcus Freeman, someone who knows firsthand the work Franklin puts into his teams, spoke to the media and expressed regret over his colleague’s fate—acknowledging that getting fired is something no coach ever wants to experience.



“Let’s start with James Franklin,” the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Fighting Irish</a> coach said. “Again, I have a lot of respect for any coach, but what he’s done for college football has been tremendous. You never want to see somebody fired.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_508989_james-franklin-marcus-freeman-1024x576_e4d0d819.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Marcus Freeman with James Franklin" class="wp-image-509023" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions shakes hands with head coach Marcus Freeman.</figcaption></figure>



“As a head coach, right — I’m a head coach — you’re going to be okay, right? You’re gonna be okay. You feel awful for the people that come and join you that are going to be out of a job too. There’s a lot of people affected, a lot of families affected. Like if Pete [Bevacqua] said, ‘Marcus, you’re gone’ tomorrow, it stinks cause I love what I do, and I love coaching these young people,” he also added. 


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“But I’m going to be okay. But you feel awful for the people that have joined your program, and their families that don’t have a job at the end of the year. That’s what’s challenging about that.”



<h2>No resting on laurels</h2>



Marcus Freeman knows that being a coach in college football is extremely risky, even when achieving good results. This is something Franklin experienced at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/penn-state">Penn State</a>, who, despite having led the program to the Playoffs, losing several games in a row means losing the job.



“And it’s a reminder to — listen, don’t ever get too comfortable. I mean, you’re just in the college football semi-finals last year,” Freeman said. “And had a heck of a team. I don’t know what’s going on with Penn State. I don’t watch any of their games, and you lose three, and that’s it. 



“So, it’s a challenging profession. It’s a reminder to be grateful for the opportunities you have. But again, each administration will make their own — Penn State made their own decision and every administration makes decisions based off what they think’s important.”



<h2>Could Freeman be heading to Penn State?</h2>



The swirling rumors around James Franklin’s potential replacement continue, and alongside names like Curt Cignetti and Matt Rhule, Marcus Freeman has also emerged as a candidate. However, all are purely speculative at this point, and Freeman himself has not commented on the possibility of switching programs mid-season.

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Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman breaks silence on James Franklin’s firing - Bolavip US

The college football season didn’t start off well for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a>, who dropped their first two games. However, led by CJ Carr, the team has bounced back and will look to secure their third straight win this Saturday against Boise State, aiming to improve their record to 3-2.


 


Not all news is positive for the team, as the latest report reveals that Jaden Greathouse, a key offensive player and crucial ally of Carr, will be sidelined for the game at Notre Dame Stadium due to a right thigh injury.



While the severity of the injury remains unclear, according to reports from irishsportsdaily.com, the wide receiver won’t miss too much time.



In the 2025 season, Greathouse has hauled in four catches totaling 73 yards over four games, sharing playing time with graduate transfer Will Pauling.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251003_BUS_502772_jaden-greathouse-1024x576_153b9f0b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jaden Greathouse" class="wp-image-502802" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jaden Greathouse #1 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Alternative choices for CJ Carr</h2>



While CJ Carr has rightfully earned the spotlight at quarterback, the Notre Dame coaching staff has quietly built a solid and diverse receiver group to support their young signal-caller.


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 Beyond the established top targets, the depth chart offers promising alternatives, including Will Pauling, who has already posted seven catches for 95 yards and a touchdown this season. 



The program is also developing young talent like redshirt freshman Logan Saldate and sophomore Matt Jeffery, both of whom are key options in the rotation. 



This wealth of depth provides Carr with a variety of weapons and allows the Irish offense the flexibility to match different defensive schemes, signaling a commitment to maximizing the passing attack throughout the season.



<h2>What’s next for the Fighting Irish?</h2>



With the goal of maintaining momentum this <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">NCAAF</a> season and at least matching last year’s performance, here are the upcoming games Marcus Freeman’s team will face:



<ul><li>vs Boise State, October 4</li><li>vs NC State, October 11</li><li>vs Southern Cal, October 18</li><li>@ Boston College, November 1</li><li>vs Navy, November 8</li></ul>

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Bad news for Notre Dame: CJ Carr loses key weapon ahead of Boise State clash - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">College Football</a> claimed another victim this past weekend, as Sam Pittman was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. A catastrophic loss at the hands of Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish forced the front office to take the bull by the horns and make a leadership change moving forward.


 


While the latest loss to the Irish was a decisive one, it wasn’t the main reason why Pittman lost his position as head coach of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/arkansas">Razorbacks</a>’ first team.



Marcus Freeman was, in a way, one of the main figures in this story, as his team soundly crushed their opponent last weekend at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Irish head coach spoke to the media about what unfolded after the game.



“You never want to see somebody in any profession lose their job,” he said. “He’s a man that has a family, but this is the profession we chose. So, the human side of you feels for him and his family. But he’s going to be okay because he’s a — I don’t know him personally, but I’ve heard he is a competitive, great human. Competitive, good, selfless people succeed.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250930_BUS_500984_marcus-freeman-sam-pittman-1-1024x576_ec2e7f91.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Marcus Freeman with Sam Pittman" class="wp-image-501036" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach Marcus Freeman and head coach Sam Pittman.</figcaption></figure>



“That’s what we need on our team and our world, like competitive fighters who are selfless, that put others in front of themselves. I’ve heard those types of things about him. My interaction with him pregame was great. Everything I expected from what I’ve heard about who he is.”


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<h2>Controversial call by the Irish</h2>



Freeman and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame</a> faced some backlash during and after the game for calling a fake punt early in the second half. With the Irish already leading by 29 points at the time, the decision was seen by some as an attempt to unnecessarily run up the score.



“In terms of the fake punt, I didn’t want to relax. We had to come out of that locker room with an aggression no different than the first half. There’s no lead that’s comfortable. There’s no lead that’s comfortable. When we went three-and-out, I think, on that first drive, I felt like it was the right time to send a message to our team. This was about our team that, hey, this is something we’ve worked on. Let’s go execute it,” Freeman said. 


 


“That also is something on film for the next opponents, right? I’m not even thinking about this opponent, but I’m thinking about I want to make sure the next couple opponents see that. It could really make them think deeply about how they want to attack our punt unit.”

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Irish HC Marcus Freeman turns heads with bold statement on Sam Pittman’s firing from Arkansas - Bolavip US

For some time now, one of the most intriguing storylines in college football has involved the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> — one of the few elite programs that remains independent of any conference. That status could soon change drastically for Marcus Freeman and his team. If things unfold the way they’re hoping, a move to either the Big Ten or the SEC could be on the horizon.


 


What’s all this about? According to a recent report, the Irish could be open to joining either of the two power conferences — if either league can convince the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">College Football</a> Playoff to expand to 16 teams.



The news was reported by college football insider Brett McMurphy, who shared the update via his official X account (formerly Twitter), detailing this significant decision Notre Dame is considering for its future.



“Sources: Notre Dame promises to join Big Ten or SEC immediately, if either league can convince College Football Playoff to expand to 16 teams this season,” the insider reported via @Brett_McMurphy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250914_BUS_491661_notre-dame-fighting-irish-1-1-1024x576_777d2e71.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Notre Dame Fighting Irish" class="wp-image-491705" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jeremiyah Love #4 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The impact of Notre Dame’s decision</h2>



Joining either the Big Ten or the SEC would be a seismic shift for Notre Dame’s athletic identity. For decades, the Fighting Irish have thrived as a football independent, a unique brand with their own television deal and scheduling flexibility. However, with the Big Ten and SEC establishing themselves as the new super conferences, the financial and competitive pressures on Notre Dame are immense.


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Joining the Big Ten would be a more natural geographical and cultural fit. It would immediately renew historic rivalries with teams like Michigan and Michigan State, while providing a clear path to a conference championship and a guaranteed schedule of tough opponents.


 


The SEC, on the other hand, would offer a different kind of challenge, forcing Notre Dame into a more physically demanding conference and a different recruiting footprint. Both moves would likely lead to a massive increase in revenue for Notre Dame. Ultimately, though, either choice would mean giving up the cherished independence that has defined the program for so long, a major shift that would reverberate throughout the college football landscape.

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Report: Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame willing to join Big Ten or SEC immediately—on one condition - Bolavip US

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College football is finally back. What better way to start the 2025 NCAA season than a rivalry game between the Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish? In what’s set to be an electric showdown to kickstart his career in Coral Gables, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carson-beck">Carson Beck</a> will make his debut under the close look of four NFL general managers.



The eyes are upon Beck, who is set to play his final NCAA campaign before declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. On that note, several franchises want to see him closely in his first presentation with the University of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-hurricanes">Miami</a>. Of course, there’s enough talent beyond Beck to make the trip to South Florida worthwhile for the four GMs in attendance.



As reported by Sports Illustrated‘ Bryan Fischer, there are four NFL general managers in attendance at Hard Rock Stadium: Ryan Poles (Chicago Bears), Brian Gutekunst (Green Bay Packers), Brandon Beane (Buffalo Bills), and Joe Schoen (New York Giants).



With Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, Josh Allen, and Jaxson Dart already leading —or expected to lead — those franchises, there’s reason to believe Beck might not be the primary focus for the GMs in Miami Gardens.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250901_BUS_482945_cj-carr-3-1024x576_8f465e32.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="CJ Carr warming up" class="wp-image-482968" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>CJ Carr at Hard Rock Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>What to expect</h2>



The opening-week showdown between the Canes and Irish is packed with storylines, but perhaps none bigger than the quarterback battle. Beck enters the night with 27 career starts in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a>, while Carr makes his first <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> start. A hostile environment and high-stakes stage like this can make or break the young signal-caller.


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On that note, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/notre-dame">Notre Dame</a> head coach Marcus Freeman was honest on the gameplan for the debuting Irish quarterback. “We’ve got to take the pressure off of him,” Freeman said in dialogue with ESPN prior to kickoff. “Got to establish the run game, or give him easy-access throws, and play really good defense. Just go be you, you don’t have to win the game for us, just do your job.”



<h2>Similar tone</h2>



While Miami’s Mario Cristobal boasts a starkly different situation under center, his message to Beck before his debut in Miami Gardens was quite similar. “I want to see him be him. The best version of him,” Cristobal told ESPN’s Molly McGrath. “He’s done a great job in camp, got to show it tonight.”

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4 NFL GMs spotted in attendance for Carson Beck's Miami debut vs Notre Dame: Which teams are present? - Bolavip US

4 NFL GMs spotted in attendance for Beck's Miami debut vs Notre Dame: Which teams are present?

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