Barring a complete collapse against third-ranked Clemson in the ACC Title game, Notre Dame will be one of college football’s final four teams. The Fighting Irish could be ticketed to play in a semi-final game at the Rose Bowl.
Local rules in California currently prohibit spectators at sporting events. That includes family.
Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly is on the record for saying QUOTE: “I’m not sure we’ll play in the playoffs if families can’t be there.”
More than a threat, Kelly’s statement is a cry for the college football playoff committee to do what’s been asked of players and coaches all season long: Be flexible.
If Los Angeles county won’t allow spectators at sporting events, the event should be moved to a stadium in a state that will. Instead of hoping COVID restrictions are eased, the college football playoff committee should force the action.
In many cases, players have been on campus since June with limited ability to interact face-to-face with family. Players will not be allowed to travel home for Christmas.
What sense does it make loading a plane full of kids and flying them out to California to play in an empty stadium. None. Especially considering the other semi-final location, New Orleans, will have fans in attendance.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the Rose Bowl…from Las Vegas.
