ND & Texas to the Big 10?

[TerryTate]

Read this on II. Who knows if it's true, but take it for what it's worth.

Earlier this evening, Notre Dame and Texas jointly presented the Big Ten Conference with their proposed terms of entry into the conference. These terms resulted from lengthy discussions among both schools and the Big Ten over the past several months.

The major items include:
1. The preservation of an eight game (plus championship) conference football schedule. Both ND and Texas wish to preserve rivalries with non-Big Ten universities on a regular basis. This would require the Big Ten to abandon its current plans of a 9 game conference schedule.
2. The staggering of the schedule to allow for mid-season scheduling with non-conference football opponents.
3. The preservation of the status quo conference makeup until approximately 2014, unless the Big XII fails to retain key (NOT including A&M) conference members. This will provide the member schools, acting in unison, with the greatest leverage negotiating ongoing television contracts, particularly with ESPN.
4. Should Texas depart the conference for the Big Ten before ND due to the further disintegration of the Big XII, ND will remain independent until approximately 2014
5. The Longhorn Network would remain independent until approximately 2014, at which point the network would become a part of an expanded Big Ten Network (specifically referred to as "BTN2", likely either in partnership with Fox, NBC, or less likely ABC

The Big Ten just wrapped up a meeting to initially consider all of the terms presented by the schools, including the aforementioned.

Notably, there is a general discontent with the reporting of the situation by ESPN with specific regard to Texas. ESPN has, for self-serving purposes, drastically exaggerated the lean of Texas to the Pac12 conference in nearly all commentary. ESPN has essentially waged a propaganda campaign to drive support among the Texas stakeholders to the Pac12 conference. ESPN has gone so far as to attempt to accelerate the disintegration of the Big XII to pressure Texas into making an immediate conference change decision. Texas has steadfastly resisted change, and will do so until the appropriate time occurs for Texas to stand in a strong position to renegotiate television contracts, including with ESPN.

In reality, the preference expressed by Texas' relevant leadership is to depart the Big XII for the Big Ten at the time that gives Texas the greatest leverage in negotiating a new television rights deal. The Big Ten and Texas agreed that Texas should do what is best for Texas, which they also both agree is a move by Texas to join the Big Ten Conference. Delaney's top priority has been to create an environment for Texas and Notre Dame to join the conference on mutually benefical terms.

Notre Dame has an interest in preserving its traditional rivalries, three of which occur already in the Big Ten, and creating a new national rivalry with a traditional powerhouse. The Big Ten believes that ND prefers independence, but realizes that it will soon have no choice but to join a conference. The Big Ten also believes that ND is trying to position itself so that if it must join a conference, it does so on the most favorable terms possible. Hence the return to the 8 game schedule and a protected game with national power Texas. The Big Ten will attempt to create a mutually beneficial environment for ND that allows it to preserve a great deal of independence to retain all its traditional rivalries within the conference context.

The initial mood at the Big Ten to the terms provided by the two schools is "receptive."

 

[mick2]

say it aint so.

i really dont know about this super conference bs.

but if we have to join, i guess it would be best to join on our terms.

nebraska will be pissed; they left the big12 to get away from texas

whats II? Irish illustrated? not like its bleacher report

 

[Riddickulous]

I assume the "new rivalry with a traditional power" will be Texas?

 

[Irish Insanity]

****

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Sounds plausible.

If the superconference realignment forces us to join one, there are far worse scenarios than this one. Glad Savvy Jack is working hard to ensure we land on our feet.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

This is what I figured might happen. The super conferences are inevitable and ND will have to join the Big 10+. It's really awsome that Notre Dame has a partner, Texas, in this process.

For those of you who think ND should stay independent, it just won't be possible with super conferences.

Finally, ESPN are such douche bags!

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

If true, I wouldnt be completely against this move. The landscape of college football is changing in that at one point or another ND's hand is going to be forced into joining a conference. Under this proposal if Texas comes along it would really strengthen the conference overall. Notre Dame, Nebraska, Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa..I think it ultimately dissove the Big XII and Oklahoma would end up in the SEC. Its possible that a school like Mizzou could end up Big 10 if that were to happen.

Although I dont like the idea of joining a conference, and like the idea of "Super conferences" even less, I think overall that would be a conference of some big time teams that are also aligned more with Notre Dames academic interests as well versus the Big East or SEC. It would stregthen the conference basketball and baseball wise big time, and I wonder if it wouldnt be beneficial sports other than football. Big East hoops is where it's at right now, but if Notre dame and Texas joined the Big 10 in basketball it would be quite a boost.

Not to mention it might further open our inroads to recruiting in Texas, and would have little effect on them recruiting our areas since they dont leave the state anyhow.

I also love the idea of keeping the 8 game conference schedule so we can maintain rivalries with Navy, USC, and still have room to add other schools of our choosing throughout the season.

So far this is the lesser of all the evils I have seen proposed.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

If true, I wouldnt be completely against this move. The landscape of college football is changing in that at one point or another ND's hand is going to be forced into joining a conference. Under this proposal if Texas comes along it would really strengthen the conference overall. Notre Dame, Nebraska, Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa..I think it ultimately dissove the Big XII and Oklahoma would end up in the SEC. Its possible that a school like Mizzou could end up Big 10 if that were to happen.

Although I dont like the idea of joining a conference, and like the idea of "Super conferences" even less, I think overall that would be a conference of some big time teams that are also aligned more with Notre Dames academic interests as well versus the Big East or SEC. It would stregthen the conference basketball and baseball wise big time, and I wonder if it wouldnt be beneficial sports other than football. Big East hoops is where it's at right now, but if Notre dame and Texas joined the Big 10 in basketball it would be quite a boost.

Not to mention it might further open our inroads to recruiting in Texas, and would have little effect on them recruiting our areas since they dont leave the state anyhow.

I also love the idea of keeping the 8 game conference schedule so we can maintain rivalries with Navy, USC, and still have room to add other schools of our choosing throughout the season.

So far this is the lesser of all the evils I have seen proposed.

I agree with mostly everything you say...But Oklahoma is going to the PAC 12+ that's where they have always wanted to go.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

So what truly necessitates a move to a conference? What would ND lose by remaining independent?

 

[Riddickulous]

Notre Dame, Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State. Yikes, what a conference.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Notre Dame, Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State. Yikes, what a conference.

Iowa, Michigan State...
On a lesser note Indiana, Purdue, NorthWestern, Illinios, Minnosota...
maybe Iowa St. & Missouri

 

[Irish2015]

I think this may actually be the real deal not sure how I feel besides stunned

 

[mgriff]

While I am distraught at the thought of superconferences, this makes me feel so at ease. Our hands are tied if the seismic shift happens, and we have to join or die. It seems apparent that ND knows that, and is not only throwing their own clout around, but have ingeniously teamed up with Texas for enormous leverage in the negotiation process. If this is how ND is handling the change, then they are doing a tremendous job understanding what is occuring, reacting accordingly, and making sure ND gets the most beneficial terms possible, which looks outstanding if this article had any legitimacy.

Link up with the other, powerful college football program, and dictate terms to the best conference, in terms of finances, demographics, etc; the Big Integer. Now they have to go execute, which we seem to have an issue with this season. Too soon? The domino was A&M, and now everyone is scrambling to secure their futures. I think this really might be going down, and it's a shame, because it's all for money, and nothing else.

 

[Praytorian]

Wow, the only thing that gives me pause in believing that is the Texas part. It is such a long way to travel for away games. Not saying it's not true just gives me pause.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

So what truly necessitates a move to a conference? What would ND lose by remaining independent?

If the superconferences form, it will necessitate a playoff format. ND's BCS exemption can't coexist with such a system, which is the ultimate trigger for us; if realignment jeopardizes our access to meaningful post-season games, we're joining a conference.

 

[Riddickulous]

So what truly necessitates a move to a conference? What would ND lose by remaining independent?

If the superconferences happen...Say Notre Dame remains independent.

With such competition in-conference, teams will be reluctant to schedule Notre Dame because they will pose even more of a threat to their overall success. Suddenly, Notre Dame has huge trouble scheduling quality opponents, and so they have much less room for error in-season. You'd basically have a Boise State scenario, where Notre Dame wouldn't be a national title/BCS contender if they lost their quality game.

 

[Rhode Irish]

Sounds plausible.

If the superconference realignment forces us to join one, there are far worse scenarios than this one. Glad Savvy Jack is working hard to ensure we land on our feet.

Totally agree. I am a big supporter of our football independence, but the reality is becoming clearer that in 4-5 years, if you aren't in a superconference you will be left out in the cold. The way this is spelled out, there really won't be that big of a change to our schedule. We'd still play Michigan, State and Purdue. We would still play USC and Navy, plus two of BC, Stanford, Army, BYU, etc., which is why the 8 game conference schedule is so big. Then we would add games with Texas, tOSU, Wisconsin, Penn State, a good geographic game against Northwestern. Two more teams would have to follow, one could possibly be Pitt, thereby preserving another rivalry game.

All in all, I prefer independence, but that may not be realistic considering the direction this situation seems to be headed. If we have to join a conference, I can't think of a much better scenario than the one laid out above.

Also, I see some people take shots at Texas here sometimes. I just want to point out that I think that, whatever ultimately happens, we should appreciate Texas standing with Notre Dame throughout this process. Texas and Notre Dame are the two most valuable brands in college football. If we are aligned, I'm confident that Notre Dame will find a soft landing spot somewhere when the music stops. Texas has definitely become my clear #2 college football program.

 

[beryirish]

Sad that this may happen but happy that ND is being proactive about it instead of waiting and being forced. Also, previously mentioned, it is realllly nice to have Texas on your side. It is more likely for ND and Texas to get what they want becuse Delaney always wanted ND in the conference and the chance to get them AND Texas, he won't mess this up.

If it happens around those terms and ND keeps Navy and USC then I won't see that big of a difference in them being independent to being in a coference

 

[Rhode Irish]

So what truly necessitates a move to a conference? What would ND lose by remaining independent?

This:

If the superconferences form, it will necessitate a playoff format. ND's BCS exemption can't coexist with such a system, which is the ultimate trigger for us; if realignment jeopardizes our access to meaningful post-season games, we're joining a conference.

But also this:

If the superconferences happen...Say Notre Dame remains independent.

With such competition in-conference, teams will be reluctant to schedule Notre Dame because they will pose even more of a threat to their overall success. Suddenly, Notre Dame has huge trouble scheduling quality opponents, and so they have much less room for error in-season. You'd basically have a Boise State scenario, where Notre Dame wouldn't be a national title/BCS contender if they lost their quality game.

If there are 4 superconferences then independence ceases to be viable, IMO, for a number of reasons. These are the two biggest ones.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

If the superconferences happen...Say Notre Dame remains independent.

With such competition in-conference, teams will be reluctant to schedule Notre Dame because they will pose even more of a threat to their overall success. Suddenly, Notre Dame has huge trouble scheduling quality opponents, and so they have much less room for error in-season. You'd basically have a Boise State scenario, where Notre Dame wouldn't be a national title/BCS contender if they lost their quality game.

Those are negatives as well, but I think the real issue is that superconferences will invariably necessitate a shift to a playoff: conference championship game > semi-final > final.

How could ND ever compete for a NC again in such a system?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

We'd still play Michigan, State and Purdue. We would still play USC and Navy, plus two of BC, Stanford, Army, BYU, etc., which is why the 8 game conference schedule is so big. Then we would add games with Texas, tOSU, Wisconsin, Penn State, a good geographic game against Northwestern. Two more teams would have to follow, one could possibly be Pitt, thereby preserving another rivalry game.

That would be the most absurdly difficult schedule in the nation, but maybe it will be less of an issue with conference play.

Also, I see some people take shots at Texas here sometimes. I just want to point out that I think that, whatever ultimately happens, we should appreciate Texas standing with Notre Dame throughout this process. Texas and Notre Dame are the two most valuable brands in college football. If we are aligned, I'm confident that Notre Dame will find a soft landing spot somewhere when the music stops. Texas has definitely become my clear #2 college football program.

Amen. As an institution, we don't have many friends, and we really need some now. Hook 'em. \m/

 

[TerryTate]

The problem with superconferences and ND would be scheduling. The superconferences will have an 8 or 9 conference games a year, and there will not be open slots to play ND during the middle of the season. That's the reason why ND will need to find a conference if all the dominoes start to fall.

 

[beryirish]

Off topic but in the vacinity...

ND and Texas go to Big Ten....that's 14

I would expect them to go East then and grab Rutgers for New York market and maybe Pitt then....my thoughts.

 

[Irish4Life09]

This sounds very realistic and plausible to me.And I, for one, am all for it. That would make an absolutely amazing conference....There's been whispers lately of big news for the IRISH...this could be it...

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

If there are 4 superconferences then independence ceases to be viable, IMO, for a number of reasons. These are the two biggest ones.

OK, but these are both presupposing a future rather than a present circumstance.

I don't see what ND would have to lose by waiting. The supposed, listed terms being negotiated with the Big 10 are really fairly minor things. And do we really believe any conference would turn the Irish down if push came to shove and ND had to pick one?

I just don't like the idea of preemptive strike by joining a conference now (of course it's not clear that is actually happening).

 

[beryirish]

Notre Dame, Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State. Yikes, what a conference.

The new division names should be: Titans & Gods

 

[OchoShayneO]

I understand why super conferences would set up an ideal situation for a ncaa football tournament, which I think would just be great. I don't think the BCS is going to just roll over and die though.

Why do you guys believe the super conferences will kill the BCS?

 

[GoldenDomer2357]

If this does happen and we maintain the ability to schedule "non cupcake" games to start the season, added to this playing our conference and rivalry schedule, our schedule will stand out significantly against the other conference members'. It would consistently be one of the toughest schedules each year, even tougher than our schedules of years prior.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

I agree with mostly everything you say...But Oklahoma is going to the PAC 12+ that's where they have always wanted to go.

Ahhhh you are 100% correct and I knew that....just re-read it again the other day. Total brain fart on that one!

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

Off topic but in the vacinity...

ND and Texas go to Big Ten....that's 14

I would expect them to go East then and grab Rutgers for New York market and maybe Pitt then....my thoughts.

Please God dont let that happen. I'd much rather see Mizzou than Rutgirls. Pitt I guess I would be OK with, but I'd much rather keep them in the Big East, because I think a move to the Big 10 would only enhance their recruiting power within PA which is a state Id like to see the Irish hit hard.

I wonder if there is any chance OK St and Mizzou could become 15 and 16 if super conferences went down. That is much more agreeable to me than Pitt and Rutgers.