Berry Tramel: Why Notre Dame should be No. 1

I’ve got a new No. 1 team this week. I’m back with Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish and Alabama both are 11-0, but any reasonable comparison of their résumés would put Notre Dame ahead.

Alabama has played three mid-majors or I-AA foes, none of which are potent – Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette and The Citadel. Notre Dame has played two such foes – Ball State and Navy.

Alabama has played four mediocre or worse Power 5 foes – Louisville, Arkansas, Tennessee and Ole Miss. Notre Dame has played four such foes – Vanderbilt, Florida State, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech.

Alabama has played three solid Power 5 opponents – Texas A&M, Missouri and Mississippi State, all in Tuscaloosa. Notre Dame has…