Kirk Herbstreit Slams Notre Dame's Schedule as 'Embarrassment'

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has strongly criticized Notre Dame's college football schedule, labeling it an "embarrassment" during a recent appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up.” Herbstreit asserted that the Fighting Irish face a lack of formidable opponents this season, contending that only two games truly challenge the team.

Herbstreit specifically pointed to the upcoming game against BYU and a home matchup against Miami as Notre Dame's only significant tests. He contrasted this with the rigorous schedules faced by other top programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, suggesting that Notre Dame's comparatively easy path is unacceptable and "incredibly unfair."

His remarks coincided with discussions about the potential expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams next season. Herbstreit emphasized that teams aiming for the postseason should be competing against strong opponents to engage fans and players.

"The idea of going the Indiana way or some of these teams that play nobody in the non-conference has got to be over," Herbstreit stated. He advocated for a centralized national scheduling office to oversee college football games. This office, he proposed, should not only examine individual conference schedules but also the overall scheduling landscape to ensure more competitive non-conference matchups.

Notre Dame, which does not belong to a major college football conference, has previously faced scrutiny over its schedule. The team was notably excluded from the 12-team College Football Playoff last season, a decision that led to the program declining a bowl game invitation.

For the current season, Notre Dame's remaining schedule includes games against three teams currently ranked in the top 25: No. 8 BYU, No. 3 Miami, and No. 24 SMU. Herbstreit, however, suggested that the issue of weak scheduling extends beyond Notre Dame, affecting many college football programs.