As the college football season comes to a close, the final Coaches Poll has revealed important insights into team rankings. Notably, Notre Dame secured the #11 spot in this year’s poll. This ranking prompts a closer examination of the votes cast by various coaches.
Coaches’ Votes and Rankings
The Coaches Poll offers a glimpse into how different head coaches view teams, though transparency is limited until the final rankings are announced. Here are some key votes regarding Notre Dame:
- Scotty Walden (UTEP): Did not rank Notre Dame at all.
- Jim Mora (UConn): Ranked Notre Dame at #25.
- Clark Lea (Vanderbilt): Ranked Notre Dame at #15, reflecting hesitation.
- Brian Newberry (Navy): Gave Notre Dame a much higher position at #9.
- Curt Cignetti (Indiana): Rated Notre Dame at #7, the highest rank from any coach.
- Dick Rod: Opted not to rank Michigan, aligning with some ND fans.
- Ryan Carty (Delaware): Did not rank Ohio State or Oklahoma.
- Troy Calhoun (Air Force): Recognized Miami with a #5 ranking.
Interesting Trends and Insights
Marcus Freeman, head coach at Notre Dame, was one of 16 coaches who chose not to rank USC. Furthermore, he also placed Notre Dame ahead of Alabama. This decision indicates a shift in perception among some coaches regarding the Irish’s performance this season.
As the final Coaches Poll highlights the dynamic nature of college football rankings, it exemplifies that rivalries and biases play a significant role. Such rivalries often lead to unexpected votes and entertaining narratives surrounding the season’s outcome.
The overall sentiment suggests that while ranking decisions may appear arbitrary, they reflect the competitive spirit and sometimes petty rivalries inherent in collegiate sports. College football’s enthusiasm remains vibrant, with fans eagerly awaiting each poll and ranking update.
