Here We Go Again (BEast Expansion)

[phork]

Big East-Notre Dame football marriage makes BCS sense - Andy Staples - SI.com

 

[TerryTate]

Ain't happening. I'd rather get syphilis

 

[aubeirish]

Ain't happening. I'd rather get syphilis

Haha

 

[Stoic]

Ain't happening. I'd rather get syphilis

Not one of the Hs?

 

[Dizzyphil]

I know that eventually a conference is probably eminent.... But please, not the Big East.


Diz

 

[IrishInColumbus]

Not happening. And boy does Sports Illustrated need to shut the hell up.

 

[dre1919]

Well, despite the fact the Big East sucks out loud, the points the guy makes in the article are valid. Notre Dame would have a relatively easy time winning the conference on a consistent basis (compared to joining the Big Ten and dealing with that group of asshats). Plus, the Big East still has an AQ bid which would mean we wouldn't have to be selling out on the field for one of the two At-Large bids in the current BCS system.

Now, it means we have to share revenue from bowls, we have to take the hit to the scheduling with the Big East opponents (didn't we want to make the schedule easier anyway?), and we might miss a few rival games per year from the Big Ten. But, really, is that a big deal? I really wouldn't see it having that much of an impact on recruiting. Sure, right now we can pitch the ability to play "anyone, anywhere" as an independent. But, what good does that do us if we lose to them? I'm not necessarily sold on joining a conference yet (or at all), but if the idea is to go some place we can instantly compete, as well as within a year or two win the division and start claiming the AQ bid every season...then hell yeah, bring on the Big East. Plus, we're already a member in most of the other sports anyway so what's the difference? I think it's not a bad idea.

 

[phork]

Sadly I have to agree. You want a challenge join the Big10. Want an easier way into the BCS join the BigEast. Being independent is great, as long as you don't lose to the likes of Tulsa.

Personally I would prefer the Big10 but the BigEast has its advantages and we are already in there for all other sports. Stay independent as long as you can milk it. But when NBC gets tired of airing losing teams guess where you'll end up?

 

[nlroma1o]

Well, despite the fact the Big East sucks out loud, the points the guy makes in the article are valid. Notre Dame would have a relatively easy time winning the conference on a consistent basis (compared to joining the Big Ten and dealing with that group of asshats). Plus, the Big East still has an AQ bid which would mean we wouldn't have to be selling out on the field for one of the two At-Large bids in the current BCS system.

Now, it means we have to share revenue from bowls, we have to take the hit to the scheduling with the Big East opponents (didn't we want to make the schedule easier anyway?), and we might miss a few rival games per year from the Big Ten. But, really, is that a big deal? I really wouldn't see it having that much of an impact on recruiting. Sure, right now we can pitch the ability to play "anyone, anywhere" as an independent. But, what good does that do us if we lose to them? I'm not necessarily sold on joining a conference yet (or at all), but if the idea is to go some place we can instantly compete, as well as within a year or two win the division and start claiming the AQ bid every season...then hell yeah, bring on the Big East. Plus, we're already a member in most of the other sports anyway so what's the difference? I think it's not a bad idea.

That is a huge deal to me personally. ND needs to keep the rivalry going with scUM and State IMO. I know those games are extremely important to a lot of fans, not just myself. But, I can get over not playing purdont every year. By all means illiminate that worthless team from our schedule, but the state of michigan should always be on our schedule.

 

[irishff1014]

I have to agree it there was a conference to join it would be this one because the chance of us winning in that division. We would take a hit in money but it might be goodfor nbc to stay with us and the big east more games oin tv.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I understand the arguments and the pros and cons for joining a conference. I like where we stand being indepenent though. It is part of what makes us so unique. The only benefit I would see about joining a conference is the opportunity at some other bowl game choices. But I love how our schedule allows us to play the likes of Mich, MSU, USC and a host of other teams like Oklahoma, TX to name a few from time to time.

 

[irishff1014]

oh yea i agree but if the big east goes to 10 team they will split it up into 2 divisions so you would only play 5 conference games then you could do what you wanted with the other 7.

 

[phork]

I think you would still play 7-8 conference games. Regardless, say you have 8 conference games. That leaves 4 non-conference games. USC, Michigan, MSU and Navy. Frankly it might be time to consider dropping Navy.

Maybe alternate UM and MSU to free up a game. USC needs to be on there yearly.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I think you would still play 7-8 conference games. Regardless, say you have 8 conference games. That leaves 4 non-conference games. USC, Michigan, MSU and Navy. Frankly it might be time to consider dropping Navy.

Maybe alternate UM and MSU to free up a game. USC needs to be on there yearly.

Yeah I think you end up playing around 8 conference games. I just don't want to lose our rivalries and our ability to play an Oklahoma, Texas or Miami from time to time. Joining a conference would take our flexibility away in alot of ways amongst other things.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I'm sick of hearing about Notre Dame's tradition. I'm going to be blunt here and I apologize in advance.

I do not give a damn about what ND has done in the past. Rockne isn't around anymore. Holtz has moved on.

We are a shell of our former selves. ND has to rebuild from the ground up. Meaning new tradition may need to be formed.

The past is irrelevant.

I worry about the present and future.

 

[JughedJones]

Well, despite the fact the Big East sucks out loud, the points the guy makes in the article are valid. Notre Dame would have a relatively easy time winning the conference on a consistent basis (compared to joining the Big Ten and dealing with that group of asshats). Plus, the Big East still has an AQ bid which would mean we wouldn't have to be selling out on the field for one of the two At-Large bids in the current BCS system.

Now, it means we have to share revenue from bowls, we have to take the hit to the scheduling with the Big East opponents (didn't we want to make the schedule easier anyway?), and we might miss a few rival games per year from the Big Ten. But, really, is that a big deal? I really wouldn't see it having that much of an impact on recruiting. Sure, right now we can pitch the ability to play "anyone, anywhere" as an independent. But, what good does that do us if we lose to them? I'm not necessarily sold on joining a conference yet (or at all), but if the idea is to go some place we can instantly compete, as well as within a year or two win the division and start claiming the AQ bid every season...then hell yeah, bring on the Big East. Plus, we're already a member in most of the other sports anyway so what's the difference? I think it's not a bad idea.

You know, I heard about the Big East needing to expand yesterday and I echoed your sentiments. I don't want to repeat everything you already said, and maybe I'm in panic mode just like a majority of ND fans, but I think we need to do something drastic.

I believe in BK but I also believe we need to start getting realistic. We either need to make concessions on our football academic standards or get in a conference where we have a chance to get an automatic. And if you think about it, adding TCU to the Big East as well as ND would make it a pretty respectable looking conference. One we would have a hell of a chance competing in year in and year out as well.

I know it's not popular but I wouldn't be pissed at all if we pulled the trigger on this one.


Footnote: Like I said, I believe in BK. If we accepted an invite to the Big East tomorrow we probably wouldn't be there till 2012. That would give us enough time to be fully settled in his system and ready to dominate.

 

[Junkhead]

We gonna be BEast? Too Soon?

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I'm sick of hearing about Notre Dame's tradition. I'm going to be blunt here and I apologize in advance.

I do not give a damn about what ND has done in the past. Rockne isn't around anymore. Holtz has moved on.

We are a shell of our former selves. ND has to rebuild from the ground up. Meaning new tradition may need to be formed.

The past is irrelevant.

I worry about the present and future.

While I respect what you are saying.., because I do, and I know we have to rebuild this program in many regards from scratch.., I think we are in the process of doing that right now..., we cannot forget our past because it is part of who we are. Do we need change? Yes absolutely, but what exactly do we need to change? Obviously we want to be competitive on the field again.., I really see us accompishing this, albeit it will be a painful process to getting back to the top as we have experienced this season. Everyone expects immediate results and a Savior of sorts to turn our program around, but I think sticking with a system and a coaching staff that has proven to know how to win is a good place to start. The problem is that there is no easy fix to change this thing around over night. Is BK the answer to the coaching question? I think so, but only time will tell. Will we continue to be successful at recruiting? Yes I believe this as well. Do we need to join the Big East at this point and time..., I don't think so. That is just my opinion about it but I also see the other side of things too, at least I try to anyways and I can see why and how some people might think this is a good idea to jump on-board and join a conference (Big East in particular). The bottom line is this.., Staying Independent or joining a conference which I am really not in favor of, we need to WIN games. Until we get back to where we all want to be, it will be a baby steps kind of process and not a 5 minute one as alot of us including BK wanted to believe. There is still alot of work to be done.

 

[GreatGolson]

If we get better soon (2-3 years) well be fine, if not, were going to the Big East

 

[GEORGIA DOMER]

i have had a change of heart! i say join at least we can battle for a title every year and a auto bid! i mean really what is the up side of beating ND everone does it. it will get to where big teams dont want to shedule us. we also need to loosen up on the academics for about 10 recruits per year. not way down but enough to get some top notch guys in here.

 

[TerryTate]

F the big east.

 

[GEORGIA DOMER]

For the big east?

 

[GreatGolson]

winning football games would get rid of all of these threads

 

[irishff1014]

winning football games would get rid of all of these threads

I second this

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

winning football games would get rid of all of these threads

Exactly..., if we were winning games right now, EVERYONE on here would be against joining any conference. I remember a few months back and just about everyone was against joining a conference. The bottom line is we need to win..., we win and alot of this kind of talk goes away.

 

[IrishinSyria]

We gonna be BEast? Too Soon?

well played sir.

 

[Legacy]

Do you really think the Big East wants Notre Dame in football? This is both an arms length relationship (for the Big East) and a marriage of conveniencence (for ND).

 

[phork]

Are you crazy? I am sure they would kill to have ND. ND as bad as it is right now is still a crown jewel in any conferences cap.

 

[NDOM]

Exactly..., if we were winning games right now, EVERYONE on here would be against joining any conference. I remember a few months back and just about everyone was against joining a conference. The bottom line is we need to win..., we win and alot of this kind of talk goes away.

I have been saying since Lou Holtz left that we need to join a conference. This should have happened 20 years ago to tell ya the truth.

 

[Shamrocks and Shenanigans]

That is a huge deal to me personally. ND needs to keep the rivalry going with scUM and State IMO. I know those games are extremely important to a lot of fans, not just myself. But, I can get over not playing purdont every year. By all means illiminate that worthless team from our schedule, but the state of michigan should always be on our schedule.

I am with you, and I prefer to stay independent, but if we did go into the BE we could still schedule our traditional rivals.