Scheduling will be done [as far as the exact opponents are concerned, rather than, say, when on the schedule they arrive] on the basis of #1: traditional rivalries [only shucked under duress]; and #2: "strategy". "Strategy" includes a). ability to play two homes vs one away with some teams [or no aways at all], b). ability to play in major recruiting areas, c). ability to play a few marquee games for extra national attention.
Using those criteria, I'd be delighted with USC, Stanford, UofM , MSU, Purdue, BC, Pitt, Navy [in either Dallas or Houston], Miami, Western Michigan [all-the-time or two out of three in South Bend], and two other schools of the general caliber of Indiana [a weak major] and Northern Illinois [an all-the-time etc. at South Bend mid-major].
We would play in California, Florida and Texas regions, have a bunch of potential powers, maintain almost all traditions, and get the 6-5-1 or 7-4-1 home/away scheduling that Swarbrick wants. Two MACs plus Indiana and a weak one from Purdue/Navy/ X in any given year would mean we're not murdering ourselves every week.
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