Part 3/8:
Notre Dame’s inclusion also seems almost obligatory, given their string of victories against ranked opponents, despite a lone slip-up earlier in the season. Moreover, Penn State, with their own impressive 11-1 record, also merits consideration based on their performance and the implications of their single loss against Ohio State.
The Dilemma of Playoff Penalties
A recurring topic within this discussion is how to navigate the penalties associated with conference championship appearances. Can we truly justify a system that penalizes a team for participating in a high-stakes game? This line of questioning invites reflection on the overall fairness of the playoff structure.