Although stats, players and experience are similar between No. 4 Notre Dame and No. 5 Texas A&M, it’s the Fighting Irish and not the Fighting Aggies that will be in the College Football Playoffs this year.
Gary Barta, the chairman of the College Football Playoff committee, even said their “resumes” were similar. Similar - but no cigar. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and Crimson Tide will meet Jan. 1 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (yes, Texas) and not in The Rose Bowl in Pasadena (California) because of a pandemic-related relocation. The Tigers of Clemson will play the Buckeyes of Ohio State at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
Texas A&M will face off against No. 13 North Carolina in the Capital One Orange Bowl.