The latest CFP rankings have Notre Dame completely upset in their first-round matchup

A dream season for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reached a new height when they not only defeated the USC Trojans on the road, but also won by two points, 49-35.

With the win, the Fighting Irish improved to 11-1 on the season and moved up to No. 4 overall in the committee’s latest update. Since they were so dominant practically the entire season, the high ranking is certainly deserved.

You’d think that at No. 4 overall, Notre Dame would have a relatively easy first-round game in the College Football Playoff. Sure, they can’t get a bye since they’re not in a conference, but still – the No. 4 team would certainly have a significant advantage over a much lower seed, right?

Well, not quite.

Based on the current rankings, the Fighting Irish would face the No. 11 seed Alabama Crimson Tide. Is Notre Dame’s reward for such a great regular season going to face Alabama in the first round?

What makes things even more frustrating is that the No. 5 seed Georgia Bulldogs would be facing the No. 10 seed Indiana Hoosiers. Sure, the Hoosiers are a great team, but just a few weeks ago they had no chance against Ohio State. Now Notre Dame will likely have to face an Alabama team that has several impressive wins.

The icing on the cake here is that one can (and probably should) argue that Alabama shouldn’t be ranked as high as they currently are, given the fact that they suffered three losses. Yes, strength of schedule is important and they have had some impressive wins, but three losses are three losses. Should a team with three losses really make it to the CFP?

Notre Dame can certainly beat Alabama, but having to deal with the Crimson Tide when a team like Georgia – which is ranked lower – gets Indiana is absolutely frustrating.

Rankings may change until the CFP actually begins, but if it stays as it is, the Fighting Irish’s season could end sooner than expected.