Notre Dame's Athletic Director expressed disappointment over the team's exclusion from the College Football Playoff, deeming it an 'ultimate gut punch' and a 'bitter pill to swallow.' Despite a strong season, Notre Dame was left out of the CFP bracket, sparking controversy and debate among fans and analysts. The AD emphasized the team's resilience and determination to continue striving for success, despite the setback. The snub has reignited discussions about the CFP selection process and raised questions about the criteria used to evaluate teams for the playoff. Notre Dame's AD remains optimistic about the future and is focused on moving forward with a positive outlook.