Article on SI about what the new postseason reform might mean for ND

[pkt77242]

Discuss

What playoff, college football reform means for Notre Dame - Andy Staples - SI.com

 

[ChiRish]

Good article, thanks for posting. I wonder how this is all going to shake out. I just cannot imagine ND joining a conference. I don't think it's going to happen.

I'd imagine that ND will simply renew football television contracts with NBC in the near future. That would bring the payout up to competitive levels, helped even more by some successful seasons.

As for the other sports, who knows really. It does appear that the Big East has lost a lot, but to shift the direction of all sports? Seems unlikely.

Regardless, going to be interesting.

 

[Kak7304]

With all the change currently taking place, I'm happy we have Swarbrick in charge instead of White. Jack understand ND and what makes us unique and is also the type of person that just gets things done. White seemed to panic when the pressure was on (Weis extension, BCS payment agreement). I have faith in Swarbrick to have us in the best possible position once the dust settles.

 

[stlnd01]

Discuss

What playoff, college football reform means for Notre Dame - Andy Staples - SI.com

Well, the apparent end of the "conference champions only" requirement is huge for us. That would have forced us in to a conference. If the next step is decoupling the rest of the bowls from their tight conference tie-ins and going truly free market, we could fare very well.

I don't think joining the Big 12 or ACC in other sports - if possible - would be a bad idea. The Big East is kind of a train wreck at this point anyway. And I think playing three Big 12 or ACC schools a year in football might be better for us. The more attractive Big East opponents are all jumping ship.

As for TV, I'd have to think we'll still be attractive to NBC unless we really **** the bed the next couple of years. And a season or two where we're actually good might net a whole lot of money in a TV contract. It doesn't really bother me that Purdue and Ole Miss make more on TV than we do. All the other stuff independence allows us is worth a lot more than the few million bucks we miss out on there.

So, boring as it sounds, stay the course. Jack's managing all this about as well as you could possibly hope for.

 

[dapeaker]

The big east seems to have gotten weaker in all sports, just means more championships to ND if that is true. It will be cool to see some new teams competing and creating new rivalries. I really prefer NDFB to stay independent- i love scheduling who we want all year and not getting stuck in a conference routine schedule. We play everyone we want to play. our TV contract for football is and will be big enough we dont have to join a conference.

 

[rock_knutne]

IMO, The Big East will remain strong in basketball, as long as UConn and Louisville stay put. Also, Temple will be in soon which strengthens basketball.

 

[A Pac]

Quick question for the 4 team playoff. Is it the top 4 ranked teams or is it decided like bowl games? Basically, is there a chance that a team like Boise who may be ranked 4th is not in the playoff?

 

[phork]

Well, the apparent end of the "conference champions only" requirement is huge for us. That would have forced us in to a conference. If the next step is decoupling the rest of the bowls from their tight conference tie-ins and going truly free market, we could fare very well.

It would be great for us, unfortunately it would mean that we would get bowl tie ins that we wouldn't deserve only because we travel better than most teams.

 

[Black Irish]

It's going to come up with a system that keeps everyone happy. Even the NFL playoff system, which I think is pretty good, creates grousing. Living in Eagles country, I heard all the complaining and "WTF" about the Giants, scraping into the playoffs and getting hot at the right time, etc. Something does need to change for the BCS, it'll just be about finding that sweet spot between being either being too inclusive or too exclusive.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

The article could have been one line:

"What does post-season reform mean for ND?: Nothing, only top 10 teams need apply."

-Fin

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

I think it's going to wind up as the top four teams ranked in the BCS regardless of conference title.
Conferences like the SEC and B1G will want it this way.
The SEC probably imagines a world were they have two or three of the four schools in the playoff.

I love that this is happening.
The best part of it is the fact that eventually the playoff format will expand... they always do!

I think that a top 6 playoff is perfect.
It allows more at large teams a chance and rewards top two teams a bye.
Chances are the 4-6 seeds didn't play in their conference championship games and they won't be forced to play a possible 16 game schedule.

 

[stlnd01]

It would be great for us, unfortunately it would mean that we would get bowl tie ins that we wouldn't deserve only because we travel better than most teams.

True. I don't really like that either, and it's partly why we didn't win a bowl game for 15 years. But I'd still rather that scenario than our current menu of Big East leftovers.