Brian Kelly can downplay it by immediately putting it in the context of a national championship. Newly-named two-time captain and senior right tackle Robert Hainsey can quip, “I guess I’ll let you know in 12 weeks,” but one aspect of Notre Dame’s season will drive more of the on-field conversation than ever before.
And not just because the Irish have never had a chance at a conference championship before, but because contending for the ACC championship will put Notre Dame on the fast track to the College Football Playoff, particularly in a year when only 60 percent of the Power Five will compete.