Next up: Notre Dame?

[EbylHusker]

Why would conferences issue such a directive? It would only benefit the Big 10, since ND will only go to the Big 10 if they join a conference. I can't see any benefit to other conferences, so why bother?

As for conference scheduling, it doesn't necessarily mean a larger percentage of the games will be in conference games. It may mean you play a larger portion of those already in conference games within your division.

 

[yaya551]

They're wising up. Maybe they've finally figured out that ND is no long the 500 lb. gorilla and that if they don't move soon, they'll be left on the sidelines.

That's the way that most B-10 fans I've talked to feel. Most of *us* (and I use that loosely, because I don't know every B10 fan) feel that ND is a haughty, arrogant, self-centered program, but has tons of value for the conference. *us* (again, loose term) wants ND to join so they can get their comeuppance and realize its now a middle of the road team (MSU), rather than an elite team (OSU), or a bi-yearly threat (PSU). Hopefully, ND learns its real place in reality, and understands that playing in a real conference, and not scheduling a dearth of unimpressive teams, will do more to get their program on track than anything else.

Bingo!!!

 

[sd'sker]

Why would conferences issue such a directive? It would only benefit the Big 10, since ND will only go to the Big 10 if they join a conference. I can't see any benefit to other conferences, so why bother?

As for conference scheduling, it doesn't necessarily mean a larger percentage of the games will be in conference games. It may mean you play a larger portion of those already in conference games within your division.

if just the big ten issued such a directive, that would cut out like 5 of notre dame's big games.

 

[EbylHusker]

Yes, though typically being an a$$ to someone is not the way to get them to join your side in good faith. I don't see that type of backhanded move working in the Big 10's favor. ND is arrogant and haughty enough, as others have said, to tell them to stick it forever if they try that.

 

[Husker Runner]

Why would conferences issue such a directive? It would only benefit the Big 10, since ND will only go to the Big 10 if they join a conference. I can't see any benefit to other conferences, so why bother?

As for conference scheduling, it doesn't necessarily mean a larger percentage of the games will be in conference games. It may mean you play a larger portion of those already in conference games within your division.

Ok, let's just say the Big 10 issues that directive. What then for ND? Look at their football schedule.

Superconferences aren't going to want to share power or wealth with an independent ND. How long do you think the ND exception to the BCS rules will stand? For that matter, how long will the BCS stand? Eventually the superconferences will make all the rules.

 

[EbylHusker]

I think the BCS may be done when its contract is up at the end of the 2014 season. I fully agree that, at that point, ND may have no choice. But I don't see them joining until that happens.

What would ND do? Well, it's a moot point because the Big 10 won't issue that directive. However, if you want to play that game, I'd say ND will find games elsewhere. As much as people want to say they're not relevant since they're doing poorly, the truth is they still carry a lot of clout and will probably get what they want. And that's staying independent, at least for now.

 

[Husker_x]

If we end up adding a playoff to four superconferences, they'll have to join or die, just like in the original revolution.

 

[EbylHusker]

If we end up adding a playoff to four superconferences, they'll have to join or die, just like in the original revolution.

I agree that's the case. And, if it had to, the Big 10 will probably sit around for 100 years or more waiting for ND to join. I don't think ND is at risk of ever losing the option of joining the Big 10. So in the end, they'll hold out for as long as they can. And that's probably until the BCS goes away and we get some type of playoff.

 

[Husker Runner]

Maybe ND can hold out until 2014. I think the writing is on the wall for them, and they'll make a move before then.

No telling what those crazy Irish are thinking though.

 

[billdozer15]

I don't know how long ND can maintain its independence and stay relevant. We are seemingly heading towards superconferences, which may mean that conference schedules will grow to more games and make it less likely that the better superconference teams will want to schedule OOC games against the Irish. Gone could be games against the likes of Michigan and USC. In fact, if the superconferences wanted to play hardball, they could issue a directive that member teams could only schedule OOC games against members of other conferences. Who would ND play then? MAC and Big East schools, week in and week out. Goodbye, ND.

Notre Dame better think long and hard about their next move in the chess match going on right now. I think they are, and I predict they will be in the Big 10 sooner rather than later.

+1 anyone who doesnt see this coming down the pipe is blind to what is happening to college football.

 

[billdozer15]

Why would conferences issue such a directive? It would only benefit the Big 10, since ND will only go to the Big 10 if they join a conference. I can't see any benefit to other conferences, so why bother?

As for conference scheduling, it doesn't necessarily mean a larger percentage of the games will be in conference games. It may mean you play a larger portion of those already in conference games within your division.

If/when super conferences form, why would anyone want to play a big name school outside of their conference? These conferences are going to be meat grinders. You wont need a tough ooc with the formation of superconferences.

 

[TheCheshireCat]

I don't really agree that ND is a middle-of-the-road program. Just like Nebraska was, they are one good coach away from elite. Go look at their 2008 rivals recruiting class if you don't believe that. They consistently get among the best talent in the nation and are the second most wealthy program behind Texas, and that is when they're winning 6,7, and 8 games a season. Imagine what it'll be when they're winning 11 or 12. They have a massive fan following and as much as they may be arrogant and unwilling to cooperate, they are a huge addition to any conference. They bring in huge money, academic prestige, tradition, and TV sets. Since we're now in the Big 10, I want them to be too. Furthermore, they're a destination job. Even Urban Meyer has said it'd be a dream job - imagine Meyer coaching them. I want them to join because they strengthen the Big 10 in every way imaginable. They're a sleeping giant.

 

[EbylHusker]

Why would conferences issue such a directive? It would only benefit the Big 10, since ND will only go to the Big 10 if they join a conference. I can't see any benefit to other conferences, so why bother?

As for conference scheduling, it doesn't necessarily mean a larger percentage of the games will be in conference games. It may mean you play a larger portion of those already in conference games within your division.

If/when super conferences form, why would anyone want to play a big name school outside of their conference? These conferences are going to be meat grinders. You wont need a tough ooc with the formation of superconferences.

Are they? Every conference has poor and mediocre teams. You won't be playing every team each season. You'll no doubt have some seasons where your conference schedule is far, far easier than others (just like it is now). Again, this isn't a valid reason.

 

[skersfan]

I think it is closer than some think.

I heard Coach Holtz say he thought it was time.

If the big 10 takes the east and eliminates their ability to play Olympic sports it will have an effect quickly, and I think that is truly the plan.

 

[EbylHusker]

I don't really agree that ND is a middle-of-the-road program. Just like Nebraska was, they are one good coach away from elite. Go look at their 2008 rivals recruiting class if you don't believe that. They consistently get among the best talent in the nation and are the second most wealthy program behind Texas, and that is when they're winning 6,7, and 8 games a season. Imagine what it'll be when they're winning 11 or 12. They have a massive fan following and as much as they may be arrogant and unwilling to cooperate, they are a huge addition to any conference. They bring in huge money, academic prestige, tradition, and TV sets. Since we're now in the Big 10, I want them to be too. Furthermore, they're a destination job. Even Urban Meyer has said it'd be a dream job - imagine Meyer coaching them. I want them to join because they strengthen the Big 10 in every way imaginable. They're a sleeping giant.

I don't think I've seen anyone say they don't want ND to join us in the Big 10. I know I would like them to. I'm just saying it's not going to happen...yet.