Notre Dame wants to stay independent and should for now. The superconferences are coming but ND has a year or two to wait if they want. NU and MU should be invited this week if the Big Ten is smart. Let the landscape evolve in the best way and ND can then be team 14, 15, or 16 when they choose. They will NEVER risk being left out. They have a spot up to the last one no matter what. In a couple of years we will have a very evenly matched PAC-16, BIG-16, SEC and a bit weaker combined ACC/Big East with nice national geographic divides that will consistently produce the most compelling football and probably lead to a great playoff system and national championship. NU is ready for Ohio St, Iowa, Penn St and BIG TEN football. Hell, I even am looking forward to helping push Missouri down the Big Ten standings! :cheers