What’s at Stake For Each No. 1 Miami Hurricanes and No. 11 Notre Dame?

MIAMI, Fla. – Following the initial College Football Playoff rankings, which were revealed on Tuesday night, this Saturday's prime-time matchup between the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes and No. 11 Notre Dame holds more value than before.

Both sides will likely play with a different sense of desperation.

The Fighting Irish have more to lose this weekend, as all National Championship hopes are on the line. Given the program's historic independence, they can only crack the bracket by being ranked within the Selection Committee's top 12. Entering this weekend with a 7-1 record, with the one loss coming against BYU, Notre Dame landed at No. 11 in the initial College Football Playoff poll.

It's an indication that if a loss against the Hurricanes occurs, there's a strong chance they won't be competing in the postseason.

Notre Dame only has two options on Saturday: get in or be gone. Missing the College Football Playoffs for a second consecutive season could force the higher-ups to consider joining a conference to avoid this issue for a third time. Notre Dame won't face another opponent following the Hurricanes that could make up for a loss.

The rest of the Fighting Irish's schedule:

Nov. 14: Boston College

Nov. 21: SMU

Nov. 28: Syracuse

The Hurricanes face similar pressure, but not to the same extent. A loss to Notre Dame enhances the necessity to win the Atlantic Coast Conference and automatically claim a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Last season, the Hurricanes were able to get in through an at-large bid, but that likely won't be an option this time.

Wake Forest was the only other ACC contender ranked within the Selection Committee's 25, but despite an impressive 7-1 season and currently riding a five-game win streak, the Demon Deacons were No. 16.

Initially, it appears that only the league's champion will make the College Football Playoffs this year.

Without winning the ACC, the Hurricanes don't have much of a chance of getting in again.

After Saturday night's game, one sideline will be wondering what's next for the rest of the season. When Notre Dame was left out last season, they decided not to participate in a Bowl game. It was a sign of protest against the Selection Committee's decision.

There's more on the line than just bragging rights between historic rivals.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on NBC and Peacock.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

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- "Shannon Dawson on Miami Hurricanes' Girard Pringle Jr. and Lack of Opportunity"