MB
@mbryan.bsky.social
Closing the book on Notre Dame's wild week, from processing the CFB snub, bowl game opt-out reactions, and what the Irish should do about it
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Black Sunday Review: Grappling with Notre Dame's Abrupt End to 2025
The CFP's blindside of the Irish was the perfect storm of the worst of college football's influences coming together at once, ejecting a title-caliber team from the postseason
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Closing the book on Notre Dame's wild week, from processing the CFB snub, bowl game opt-out reactions, and what the Irish should do about it
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Reposted by MB
yes. if you woke up from a coma you slipped into sometime in late september/early october and saw this bracket, sure. but hearing so much about how close Alabama and Notre Dame were — Irish were ahead two weeks ago! — and then doing that is insane.
Bama being in is much more frustrating than anything, Miami going above because of h2h I get and don’t have issue with, the way comm waited to last second to do it seems stupid. Sucks cause I think ND could win it all, but again, can’t put yourself in this position. The kayfabe nonsense annoying tho
December 7, 2025 at 5:58 PM
yes. if you woke up from a coma you slipped into sometime in late september/early october and saw this bracket, sure. but hearing so much about how close Alabama and Notre Dame were — Irish were ahead two weeks ago! — and then doing that is insane.
hate being sad comrades with FSU fans on this topic, hate that the conspiracy theorists and cynics were right
December 7, 2025 at 5:55 PM
hate being sad comrades with FSU fans on this topic, hate that the conspiracy theorists and cynics were right
never want to hear a “Notre Dame doesn’t have to compete for a conference championship” again
December 7, 2025 at 5:39 PM
never want to hear a “Notre Dame doesn’t have to compete for a conference championship” again
This has cemented the year of Skycast for me. Listening to Kirk and Fowler instead of crowd noise and bands turned all the way up? couldn’t be me
December 6, 2025 at 9:45 PM
This has cemented the year of Skycast for me. Listening to Kirk and Fowler instead of crowd noise and bands turned all the way up? couldn’t be me
ok moratorium on the ND-Miami debate after this. But if you use yards / play as a decent proxy, and line up margins from the game's this year, you start to see why the Irish are ahead in all the metrics, even accounting for slightly better Canes SOS
December 5, 2025 at 5:31 PM
ok moratorium on the ND-Miami debate after this. But if you use yards / play as a decent proxy, and line up margins from the game's this year, you start to see why the Irish are ahead in all the metrics, even accounting for slightly better Canes SOS
a Miami -Texas A&M first round playoff game would be cruel and unusual punishment for ND fans. And kind of a great matchup for the Canes, where a win would be even more miserable
December 4, 2025 at 11:56 PM
a Miami -Texas A&M first round playoff game would be cruel and unusual punishment for ND fans. And kind of a great matchup for the Canes, where a win would be even more miserable
Reposted by MB
☘️ new pod ☘️
If you have questions about the playoff, how the process works and where Notre Dame stands after last night, @mbryan.bsky.social and I did our best to answer them in a tidy 30 minutes. Odds, metrics, conspiracies -- all the pieces matter.
open.spotify.com/episode/4eit...
If you have questions about the playoff, how the process works and where Notre Dame stands after last night, @mbryan.bsky.social and I did our best to answer them in a tidy 30 minutes. Odds, metrics, conspiracies -- all the pieces matter.
open.spotify.com/episode/4eit...
December 3, 2025 at 9:57 PM
☘️ new pod ☘️
If you have questions about the playoff, how the process works and where Notre Dame stands after last night, @mbryan.bsky.social and I did our best to answer them in a tidy 30 minutes. Odds, metrics, conspiracies -- all the pieces matter.
open.spotify.com/episode/4eit...
If you have questions about the playoff, how the process works and where Notre Dame stands after last night, @mbryan.bsky.social and I did our best to answer them in a tidy 30 minutes. Odds, metrics, conspiracies -- all the pieces matter.
open.spotify.com/episode/4eit...
i really do feel for Miami fans bc if this flipped a lot of Notre Dame media and accounts would be doing deeply embarrassing stuff online too.
would take us back to the BK days of having to argue on the same side of the worst people
would take us back to the BK days of having to argue on the same side of the worst people
December 2, 2025 at 3:57 AM
i really do feel for Miami fans bc if this flipped a lot of Notre Dame media and accounts would be doing deeply embarrassing stuff online too.
would take us back to the BK days of having to argue on the same side of the worst people
would take us back to the BK days of having to argue on the same side of the worst people
Kalani Sitake to Penn State is the kind of thing that happens in your CFB dynasty and makes you laugh because it’d be so random
December 1, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Kalani Sitake to Penn State is the kind of thing that happens in your CFB dynasty and makes you laugh because it’d be so random
LOTS to play out but the numbers suggest Notre Dame is in a good spot matching up first round with Oklahoma (13 in F+) or Ole Miss (12th).
Oregon (3rd) or Bama (8th) stand out as tougher matchups should somehow ND fall or Bama jump up. Hosting BYU somehow seems unlikely but would be ideal!
Oregon (3rd) or Bama (8th) stand out as tougher matchups should somehow ND fall or Bama jump up. Hosting BYU somehow seems unlikely but would be ideal!
November 26, 2025 at 1:14 AM
LOTS to play out but the numbers suggest Notre Dame is in a good spot matching up first round with Oklahoma (13 in F+) or Ole Miss (12th).
Oregon (3rd) or Bama (8th) stand out as tougher matchups should somehow ND fall or Bama jump up. Hosting BYU somehow seems unlikely but would be ideal!
Oregon (3rd) or Bama (8th) stand out as tougher matchups should somehow ND fall or Bama jump up. Hosting BYU somehow seems unlikely but would be ideal!
the CFP discourse is going to be exhausting this week but I'd bet on:
1. Oregon jumps Ole Miss (no one will really care, they just want the Egg Bowl and Lane news)
2. ND still > Miami (same tired Miami outrage)
3. Canes net same spot (either holding or jump Utes / slide behind Vandy)
1. Oregon jumps Ole Miss (no one will really care, they just want the Egg Bowl and Lane news)
2. ND still > Miami (same tired Miami outrage)
3. Canes net same spot (either holding or jump Utes / slide behind Vandy)
November 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
the CFP discourse is going to be exhausting this week but I'd bet on:
1. Oregon jumps Ole Miss (no one will really care, they just want the Egg Bowl and Lane news)
2. ND still > Miami (same tired Miami outrage)
3. Canes net same spot (either holding or jump Utes / slide behind Vandy)
1. Oregon jumps Ole Miss (no one will really care, they just want the Egg Bowl and Lane news)
2. ND still > Miami (same tired Miami outrage)
3. Canes net same spot (either holding or jump Utes / slide behind Vandy)
if Miami somehow makes the ACC Championship they should have to take a blood oath that if they lose they forfeit the right to lobby for an at-large bid.
you aren't one of the 12 best teams if you lose three times to this mess of an ACC, conference title game or otherwise
you aren't one of the 12 best teams if you lose three times to this mess of an ACC, conference title game or otherwise
November 23, 2025 at 1:14 AM
if Miami somehow makes the ACC Championship they should have to take a blood oath that if they lose they forfeit the right to lobby for an at-large bid.
you aren't one of the 12 best teams if you lose three times to this mess of an ACC, conference title game or otherwise
you aren't one of the 12 best teams if you lose three times to this mess of an ACC, conference title game or otherwise
ok I thought they’d outscore them but this is wild
November 22, 2025 at 8:51 PM
ok I thought they’d outscore them but this is wild
the S&T Notre Dame - Pitt review was sidelined this week, but threading a few nuggets below, back to regular programming next week.
Pat Narduzzi's last 3 ND matchups combined: Irish 140, Pitt 25
Game within those games: ND Defense 36, Pitt offense 19
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
Pat Narduzzi's last 3 ND matchups combined: Irish 140, Pitt 25
Game within those games: ND Defense 36, Pitt offense 19
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
Spreadsheets & Tailgates: A Notre Dame Football Newsletter | Michael Bryan | Substack
A Notre Dame football newsletter with a blend of advanced stats, quick hits on the national college landscape, and the gameday experiences that make this sport the best. Click to read Spreadsheets & T...
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
the S&T Notre Dame - Pitt review was sidelined this week, but threading a few nuggets below, back to regular programming next week.
Pat Narduzzi's last 3 ND matchups combined: Irish 140, Pitt 25
Game within those games: ND Defense 36, Pitt offense 19
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
Pat Narduzzi's last 3 ND matchups combined: Irish 140, Pitt 25
Game within those games: ND Defense 36, Pitt offense 19
spreadsheetsandtailgates.substack.com
Reposted by MB
So many playoff takes make me think of the adage "Everything’s a conspiracy when you don’t know how anything works." Hard to believe so many people are this dim and yet.
November 20, 2025 at 12:47 AM
So many playoff takes make me think of the adage "Everything’s a conspiracy when you don’t know how anything works." Hard to believe so many people are this dim and yet.
It won’t last, but I liked the at BYU / Indiana projected CFP brackets way better than the at Oregon / Ohio State ones we will see this week!
November 9, 2025 at 8:09 PM
It won’t last, but I liked the at BYU / Indiana projected CFP brackets way better than the at Oregon / Ohio State ones we will see this week!
Reposted by MB
☘️ new pod ☘️
@jessicasmetana.bsky.social and @mbryan.bsky.social were kind enough to hop on after the game last night and talk about Notre Dame blowing out Navy, Jeremiyah Love heroics, great defense, the poor ACC, playoff rankings, so much more.
open.spotify.com/episode/2vmg...
@jessicasmetana.bsky.social and @mbryan.bsky.social were kind enough to hop on after the game last night and talk about Notre Dame blowing out Navy, Jeremiyah Love heroics, great defense, the poor ACC, playoff rankings, so much more.
open.spotify.com/episode/2vmg...
November 9, 2025 at 3:12 PM
☘️ new pod ☘️
@jessicasmetana.bsky.social and @mbryan.bsky.social were kind enough to hop on after the game last night and talk about Notre Dame blowing out Navy, Jeremiyah Love heroics, great defense, the poor ACC, playoff rankings, so much more.
open.spotify.com/episode/2vmg...
@jessicasmetana.bsky.social and @mbryan.bsky.social were kind enough to hop on after the game last night and talk about Notre Dame blowing out Navy, Jeremiyah Love heroics, great defense, the poor ACC, playoff rankings, so much more.
open.spotify.com/episode/2vmg...
ND-Boston College Review:
-really strong foundational numbers marred by some loud mistakes and missed scoring chances
-the Chris Ash defense is causing turnovers and havoc like Al Golden's did now
-a caution on assuming Navy will go like last year
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-really strong foundational numbers marred by some loud mistakes and missed scoring chances
-the Chris Ash defense is causing turnovers and havoc like Al Golden's did now
-a caution on assuming Navy will go like last year
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Notre Dame - Boston College Review: Sloppy Plays Ruin Strong Fundamentals
Missed kicks, dumb penalties (earned and bad calls), and empty early offensive possessions made an otherwise strong effort from the Irish look shaky against the Eagles
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:37 PM
ND-Boston College Review:
-really strong foundational numbers marred by some loud mistakes and missed scoring chances
-the Chris Ash defense is causing turnovers and havoc like Al Golden's did now
-a caution on assuming Navy will go like last year
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-really strong foundational numbers marred by some loud mistakes and missed scoring chances
-the Chris Ash defense is causing turnovers and havoc like Al Golden's did now
-a caution on assuming Navy will go like last year
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
hand up, as soon as this made it out of drafts I had a feeling BC would be gross
November 1, 2025 at 11:21 PM
hand up, as soon as this made it out of drafts I had a feeling BC would be gross
YouTube TV rec: go old school, find local radio of the game you’d normally watch, build yourself a nice fire and tailgate it outside while you listen
November 1, 2025 at 2:24 PM
YouTube TV rec: go old school, find local radio of the game you’d normally watch, build yourself a nice fire and tailgate it outside while you listen
USC Review:
-the final score could have been so much worse for the Trojans
-OL dominance set up Love & Price's historic days on a day CJ Carr didn't have it
-I owe Chris Ash an apology
-Don't take a break now when bad blood is peaking and SC has villains
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-the final score could have been so much worse for the Trojans
-OL dominance set up Love & Price's historic days on a day CJ Carr didn't have it
-I owe Chris Ash an apology
-Don't take a break now when bad blood is peaking and SC has villains
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Notre Dame - USC Review: The Irish Dominate the Trenches, Keep the Shillelagh Until the Trojans Want Another Fight
Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price ran at will while the defense shut down USC's run game, putting the pressure on Jayden Maiava and Lincoln Riley and then forcing them into critical mistakes
open.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
USC Review:
-the final score could have been so much worse for the Trojans
-OL dominance set up Love & Price's historic days on a day CJ Carr didn't have it
-I owe Chris Ash an apology
-Don't take a break now when bad blood is peaking and SC has villains
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-the final score could have been so much worse for the Trojans
-OL dominance set up Love & Price's historic days on a day CJ Carr didn't have it
-I owe Chris Ash an apology
-Don't take a break now when bad blood is peaking and SC has villains
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Welp
Clemson and LSU getting the 2nd / 3rd most votes to win the title is insane
October 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Welp
scenario that’s totally in play
Arkansas sucker punches A&M tomorrow, the dumbest football minds you know posit that Notre Dame‘s playoff hopes are now dead (lol still nope)
Arkansas sucker punches A&M tomorrow, the dumbest football minds you know posit that Notre Dame‘s playoff hopes are now dead (lol still nope)
October 18, 2025 at 2:35 AM
scenario that’s totally in play
Arkansas sucker punches A&M tomorrow, the dumbest football minds you know posit that Notre Dame‘s playoff hopes are now dead (lol still nope)
Arkansas sucker punches A&M tomorrow, the dumbest football minds you know posit that Notre Dame‘s playoff hopes are now dead (lol still nope)
ND - USC Preview:
-Limiting Maiava & the Trojan passing attack
-Will SC abandon the run again?
-Why converting scoring chances may decide the game
-CJ Carr could feast, but has to protect the ball
-Hoping for an inhospitable atmosphere for these cowards
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-Limiting Maiava & the Trojan passing attack
-Will SC abandon the run again?
-Why converting scoring chances may decide the game
-CJ Carr could feast, but has to protect the ball
-Hoping for an inhospitable atmosphere for these cowards
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
Notre Dame - USC Preview: A Possible Last Dance with Playoffs on the Line
Two elite offenses take the field in South Bend, with the Irish and Trojans both power rated as top-15 teams. What will decide this chapter of a historic rivalry in danger of being cancelled?
open.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:08 PM
ND - USC Preview:
-Limiting Maiava & the Trojan passing attack
-Will SC abandon the run again?
-Why converting scoring chances may decide the game
-CJ Carr could feast, but has to protect the ball
-Hoping for an inhospitable atmosphere for these cowards
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...
-Limiting Maiava & the Trojan passing attack
-Will SC abandon the run again?
-Why converting scoring chances may decide the game
-CJ Carr could feast, but has to protect the ball
-Hoping for an inhospitable atmosphere for these cowards
open.substack.com/pub/spreadsh...