Stephen A. Smith Blasts Notre Dame for Bowl Snub as College Football Culture Shifts

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith unleashed fiery criticism this week. His target was the University of Notre Dame’s football program. The Fighting Irish declined a non-Playoff bowl invitation after missing the College Football Playoff.

This decision sparked a major debate about the sport’s evolving landscape. According to reports from ESPN, at least ten teams turned down bowl bids recently. The move by Notre Dame, a college football blue blood, highlighted a growing devaluation of traditional postseason games.

Notre Dame’s “Selfish” Stance Draws Scorn

Notre Dame finished the regular season with a strong record. The team was ranked just outside the coveted top four. When the final CFP rankings were released, Notre Dame was left out.

The program then announced it would not participate in any other bowl game. Stephen A. Smith addressed this directly on ESPN’s First Take. He did not hold back his disapproval of the decision.

Smith argued the team needed to accept accountability. He specifically criticized Notre Dame’s status as an independent program. “Put on your big boy pants. Grow up and accept accountability for the role you played,” Smith said on air.

The High Cost of Football Independence

Notre Dame’s unique independent status is central to this issue. The school is not a full member of any football conference. This choice is largely tied to its lucrative television contract with NBC.

This independence left the Irish with no game on conference championship weekend. Other teams had a final chance to impress the CFP selection committee. Notre Dame could only watch as its fate was decided by others.

The Miami team that jumped Notre Dame in the final rankings also did not play that weekend. Yet, the Hurricanes were selected for the Playoff. This outcome fueled the Irish’s frustration and their subsequent bowl refusal.

Dropping this nugget your way

Why was Stephen A. Smith so critical of Notre Dame?

Smith believed declining a bowl was a selfish move that lacked accountability. He felt the team, especially as an independent, should honor the postseason system and play the game for its players and fans.

What is Notre Dame’s TV deal with NBC?

Notre Dame has a long-standing exclusive television contract with NBC Sports to broadcast its home football games. This deal is a primary financial reason the school maintains its independent football status outside of a conference.

How many teams turned down bowls this year?

Reports indicated at least ten teams passed on bowl invitations. While many had losing records, Notre Dame’s refusal as a highly-ranked team was seen as a significant shift in attitude toward non-CFP bowls.

Did other analysts agree with Stephen A. Smith?

Opinions were divided. Some analysts and fans agreed with Smith, calling the snub unfair to players. Others defended Notre Dame’s right to decline, citing the expanded CFP’s impact on other bowls’ prestige.

Could this become a more common trend?

As the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams, the prestige of non-Playoff bowls may continue to diminish. More highly-ranked teams that miss the cut could follow Notre Dame’s example in future seasons.