After Notre Dame football was ranked at No. 10 in the first College Football Playoff rankings, the vision for the Fighting Irish has become even clearer. If Marcus Freeman’s squad is able to win their final four games, they will most likely earn a spot in the field. So when you map out their path toward the postseason, it begins with beating the Navy Midshipmen this weekend. That is the top priority. 

In order to help their cause, however, some other teams having underwhelming performances would also be a big help. Fighting Irish fans should not just be rooting for Notre Dame against Navy this weekend. There are several games that could also have huge implications on their playoff picture. 

Here are some games to watch, and have a rooting interest in. 

(7) BYU over (8) Texas Tech 

Wait, why would Notre Dame want the higher ranked team to win? In this particular contest, it really is a win-win situation for the Fighting Irish, and its playoff seeding. Whoever loses this game most likely falls behind Notre Dame, so it doesn’t actually matter when it comes to the playoff rankings. For a potential future matchup perspective, however, I would much rather play BYU than Texas Tech in a playoff game. The Red Raiders losing would be best for the long-term outlook. 

(3) Texas A&M over (22) Missouri 

Outside of Notre Dame rising a six-game winning streak, their performance in a loss against the Aggies is what they have going for them most right now. For anyone who watched that game, the Fighting Irish easily could have won the matchup, and some would argue that they should have. Regardless, Texas A&M winning is in the best interest for Notre Dame. Having a hierarchy at the top of the SEC and Big Ten is also preferred. 

(20) Iowa over (9) Oregon 

While Oregon has been a bit up and down this season, it does feel like a long shot for Iowa to upset them this week, even at home. If they were able to, that would put the Ducks in a really troubling situation. Oregon is also one spot ahead of the Irish, so any team losing in front of them is very advantageous for their chances. You could argue this is the upset that could have the biggest impact on Notre Dame. 

(18) Miami over Syracuse 

Similar to Texas A&M, Notre Dame needs Miami to continue winning. With them being one of their two losses, then continuing to win strengthens the resume for the Fighting Irish. If the Hurricanes lose another game, that loss begins to look worse and worse. Syracuse has played horribly since starting quarterback Steve Angeli was lost for the season, so this upset is extremely unlikely. It is, however, worth keeping close tabs on. 

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