Tim Brando explains why 'Pure Playoff Privilege' won't cost Clemson a CFP spot after loss to Notre Dame
College football broadcaster Tim Brando was impressed by Notre Dame’s win over Clemson on Saturday night, but he’s not concerned about what it might mean for the Tigers.
Brando thinks Clemson will get a pass for its overtime loss to the Fighting Irish for a couple different reasons. The biggest? The Tigers’ recent success in the College Football Playoff has earned them the benefit of the doubt — and the privilege that comes with it.
“They are the three Ps of college football: Pure Playoff Privilege. What Notre Dame did at home against the Clemson Tigers really helps Notre Dame,” Brando said. “But it doesn’t hurt Clemson. A built-in excuse — no Trevor Lawrence means they get a mulligan. Why do they get a mulligan? Pure. Playoff. Privilege.”
Lawrence missed the last two games for Clemson after testing positive for COVID-19, but he’s expected back next week.
Clemson and Notre Dame are conference opponents for this season due to the pandemic, which could give the College Football Playoff selection committee an interesting decision to make.
“What might the College Football Playoff committee think when they have to make a decision on a Southeastern Conference second team, or a team from the American Conference like Cincinnati,” Brando said. “But you have a Notre Dame who can claim Clemson in the regular season but Clemson still managed to win the ACC title.
“Oh, pure playoff privilege. It could mean the Golden Domers and the Clemson Tigers get in. How do you think that plays with the rest of the country?”
Notre Dame should coast through the rest of its schedule. They’ll finish with Boston College, North Carolina, Syracuse and Wake Forest.
Here’s Brando’s full segment:
“What Notre Dame did at home against the Clemson Tigers really helps Notre Dame, but it doesn’t hurt Clemson.” @TimBrando explains why the Tigers' pure playoff privilege gives them a mulligan on their loss to the Irish. pic.twitter.com/VrXiBE0gym
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2020