ChrisBrenner
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I am amazed no one has brought up the probable upcoming offer to join the Big Ten. The Big Ten announced that they will expand in the next 12-18 months. As I see it, there are four criteria that will lead the decision for ND. (tell me if you think I am missing anything)
1. Money. Will ND make more money in the Big Ten?
2. Academics. Will ND's academics and research benefit from inclusion?
3. National exposure. Will ND lose their national presence?
4. Football success. Will ND's chances at a national championship be affected?
In 1997, when ND turned down the Big Ten, the driving answer was money, the NBC contract was too lucrative. Here is my guess as to the answers in 97:
1. Absolutely not. The NBC contract far outweighs Big Ten team revenues.
2. Yes, the Big Ten's shared research capacity will improve academics and research at ND.
3. Yes. ND would have to give up their exclusive deal with NBC, and would lose their status as a national team.
4. Probably not affected.
Now, in 2009, here are my guesses to the answers.
1. Absolutely. Big Ten schools each make $20M / year from tv + BCS. ND makes $14M if they make the BCS, $11M if not. The Big Ten Network alone makes almost as much money for each school as the NBC contract. Plus, the Big Ten would add a championship game, of which ND would get about $1-2M / year.
2. Yes. No change to this answer since 97.
3. Yes, but are not as strong nationally as we were 12 years ago.
4. Not sure. SC, Michigan, Ohio St, Penn St, Wisc, and a Big Ten Championship game is a tough schedule every year.
Jim Delaney and the Big Ten will ask Notre Dame again. (assuming Delaney does not hold a grudge, which is not out of the realm of possibility) Their other options are bad: Pitt, Missouri, Rutgers, Syracuse, Nebraska, etc.
If you are Father Jenkins, what do you do?
1. Money. Will ND make more money in the Big Ten?
2. Academics. Will ND's academics and research benefit from inclusion?
3. National exposure. Will ND lose their national presence?
4. Football success. Will ND's chances at a national championship be affected?
In 1997, when ND turned down the Big Ten, the driving answer was money, the NBC contract was too lucrative. Here is my guess as to the answers in 97:
1. Absolutely not. The NBC contract far outweighs Big Ten team revenues.
2. Yes, the Big Ten's shared research capacity will improve academics and research at ND.
3. Yes. ND would have to give up their exclusive deal with NBC, and would lose their status as a national team.
4. Probably not affected.
Now, in 2009, here are my guesses to the answers.
1. Absolutely. Big Ten schools each make $20M / year from tv + BCS. ND makes $14M if they make the BCS, $11M if not. The Big Ten Network alone makes almost as much money for each school as the NBC contract. Plus, the Big Ten would add a championship game, of which ND would get about $1-2M / year.
2. Yes. No change to this answer since 97.
3. Yes, but are not as strong nationally as we were 12 years ago.
4. Not sure. SC, Michigan, Ohio St, Penn St, Wisc, and a Big Ten Championship game is a tough schedule every year.
Jim Delaney and the Big Ten will ask Notre Dame again. (assuming Delaney does not hold a grudge, which is not out of the realm of possibility) Their other options are bad: Pitt, Missouri, Rutgers, Syracuse, Nebraska, etc.
If you are Father Jenkins, what do you do?