CBS Sports’ betting model put a massive spotlight on Sunday night’s opener at Hard Rock. It says Notre Dame’s postseason chances could hinge on what happens against Miami. In its latest College Football Playoff “power rankings,” the Inside the Lines team notes that while both the Irish and Hurricanes return similar production and break in new starting quarterbacks, the stakes skew heavier for Notre Dame because they don't play in a conference.
Their simulations show a huge swing. If Notre Dame beats Miami, the Irish have about a 78% chance to make the CFP, but if they lose, that number plummets to about 28%.