Army's Unbeaten Season and Its Impact on College Football Playoff Considerations

The debate surrounding Army football's potential eligibility for the College Football Playoff (CFP) has been a topic of discussion since the beginning of the season. With an undefeated regular season, Army had the potential to secure a top-four seed and a spot in the CFP. However, as we navigate through the final weeks of the 2024 regular season, the opportunities and challenges faced by Army have become more complex.

Why an Unbeaten Season Means a Spot in the CFP

If Army had gone unbeaten in the entirety of the regular season, it would have earned a significant advantage for the CFP. An undefeated record is highly sought after in college football, and it would have assured that they are considered a top-tier team. In fact, an unbeaten season would have guaranteed them a spot in the top-four rankings, making them eligible for the CFP. The strength of their record would have been further amplified if they had defeated teams with high national standings, such as Notre Dame.

The CFP requires teams to meet a set of criteria, and an unbeaten season would have been a strong indicator of their overall performance and competitiveness. Furthermore, beating a team like Notre Dame would have further validated their record, ensuring that they would have been a top contender for a spot in the playoffs. This would have been a signal to both fans and evaluators that Army was unequivocally deserving of a place in the CFP.

The Current Situation and Future Prospects

However, given their current unblemished record, Army is now in a position where their path to the CFP is still open, but it requires a series of specific outcomes. For example, if Army were to win their upcoming game against Notre Dame on Saturday, November 23, 2024, it would significantly boost their chances of making the CFP. Winning this game would ensure that their strength of schedule improves, as they would then have defeated a team that is considered one of the powerhouses in college football.

Additionally, securing the American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship would further bolster their case. Winning the AAC title would not only demonstrate their consistency throughout the season but also enhance their strength of schedule, as they would have faced a more competitive slate of opponents. This would be critical for their CFP eligibility, as it would show that they are a complete team, capable of success in high-pressure situations.

The Impact of Beating Notre Dame and Notre Dame’s Tie

Notre Dame, who lost to Northern Illinois earlier in the season, presents a significant hurdle for Army. If Army were to defeat Notre Dame, it would not only improve their own record but also impact Notre Dame's standing. Given that Notre Dame already has one loss, a second loss would likely disqualify them from a spot in the CFP. The loss to Northern Illinois, where Notre Dame still holds one loss, means that they are in the back of the pack for two-loss teams. Army winning against Notre Dame would eliminate Notre Dame from serious playoff considerations.

Furthermore, beating Notre Dame on Saturday would significantly enhance Army’s own profile. It would validate their entire season and confirm their status as a formidable opponent. This win would increase their national profile and make them more competitive for a spot in the CFP.

Conclusion

The upcoming games for Army are crucial in determining their future in college football. Winning at Notre Dame on Saturday, November 23, 2024, and then securing the AAC championship would put them in an advantageous position for CFP consideration. While their current strength of schedule is second-worst, these upcoming victories would significantly improve their standing. The outcome will not only determine their playoff prospects but also validate their season with a strong show of competitive prowess.

As the season progresses, it is clear that Army's future in the CFP hinges on capturing these critical victories. The success or failure in these games will define their legacy and place in college football history. Whether Army ultimately qualifies for the CFP or not, their performance and potential impact on the playoff races will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the sport.