# Kirk Herbstreit Calls Notre Dame Schedule 'Embarrassment'

> Kirk Herbstreit says Notre Dame's weak schedule makes them an 'embarrassment' compared to SEC teams.
- Title: Kirk Herbstreit Calls Notre Dame Schedule 'Embarrassment'
- Summary: Kirk Herbstreit says Notre Dame's weak schedule makes them an 'embarrassment' compared to SEC teams. Kirk Herbstreit claims Notre Dame's schedule is weaker…
- Keywords: kirk herbstreit, notre dame, alabama, uga, ncaa, playoff, strength of schedule, sec, sports, Kirk, Herbstreit, Calls
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-kirk-herbstreit-calls-college-football-powerhouse-an-embarrassment-for-their-schedule-urges-to-learn-from-alabama-uga-notre-dame-marcus-freeman
- Author: Kamran Ahmad
- Published: 2026-10-16T17:26:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kirk herbstreit, notre dame, alabama, uga, ncaa, playoff, strength of schedule, sec, sports
## Playoff expansion sparks debate
Notre Dame's playoff spot amid expanded 24-team format ignites discussion about their strength of schedule.
## Herbstreit criticizes schedule fairness
Kirk Herbstreit says notre dame plays two games where they're challenged but their schedule is weaker than sec teams.

> notre dame plays two games where they're going to be challenged
## Notre Dame's schedule strength
Notre Dame ranks in the 50s nationally for strength of schedule with light stretch ahead.
## SEC teams face tougher schedules
SEC teams now face tougher schedules with 9-game conference format improving their strength of schedule rankings.
## Playoff implications for Notre Dame
Notre Dame gets one playoff spot but must finish above 24th in cfp rankings to secure it.
## Herbstreit's call for schedule improvement
Kirk Herbstreit urges teams to learn from alabama and uga's tougher schedules for better playoff readiness.

> think about what alabama and georgia and ohio state and these teams, what they’re dealing with? so that cannot continue. that’s an embarrassment and incredibly unfair
## Key takeaway

Kirk Herbstreit claims Notre Dame's schedule is weaker than SEC teams, making them an 'embarrassment' in the expanded playoff system.