Notre Dame and it's Independence

[50milesSE ND]

I know we have all been wondering if there was anything to Jack Arutes comments of bad news or whatever. Tonight on wndu sports broadcast it was mentioned that BK and Jack Swarbrick were going to sit down and talk about whether an 11-1 Notre Dame team could make the playoffs without a conference championship. Sooo I would assume our Independence may be coming to an end.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

That's good news to me.

 

[johnnycando]

Actually it's not good news.

It would signal the end to an era of Notre Dame.

Back when Notre Dame had so much clout they didn't need anyone else, conference or team, to have everybody's respect.

Sad day when this happens.

Even if the reality is already here.

This force of hands was much desired for a long time to limit Notre Dame's national recruiting appeal.

All things come to an end.

 

[50milesSE ND]

I'm very split on this because one part of me loves the mystique of being independent. The other part of me likes the idea of a conference because in a bad year or at least a non national championship year you may still have something meaningful for players to play for instead of an empty abyss.

 

[scUM Hater]

Join the ACC. Be done with it. It is going to have to happen.

 

[IrishLax]

First of all, let me say that the ACC Coastal would be an awesome landing spot.

Second of all, let me say that them "discussing whether an 11-1 ND can make the playoffs" is not directly tied to our hands being forced into conference affiliation as things stand. Kelly honestly has almost zero input in that kind of decision, and from my understanding they're more talking about scheduling strategy than anything. Kelly has long advocated a more practical, manageable schedule that involves less travel and night games. Swarbick views ND as more a Harlem Globetrotters style "big games every week" type of program... hence the Shamrock Series and all these home-and-homes.

 

[MNIrishman]

Yeah I sincerely hope we don't join a conference. ACC Coastal wouldn't be as bad as, say, the f*cking B1Gots, but it's still "conference." As an alum, I hate that. A lot. I don't want to be associated with FSU or UNC in any way besides being on the opposite side of the gridiron.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I've been saying for a while that if the ACC let's Notre Dame bring Navy with them and put them in the division with Pittsburgh, Boston College, and Miami then it's a great move. Maybe throw Georgia Tech in there too. End the Stanford series and replace them with Miami and it's an extremely manageable schedule.

 

[GoldenDome]

This would suck for recruiting in CA. We would probably drop Stanford and won't get the annual trip to CA. I guess we would pick up more Southern recruiting but we probably would also be forced to drop Navy and Purdue.

 

[IrishLax]

This would suck for recruiting in CA. We would probably drop Stanford and won't get the annual trip to CA. I guess we would pick up more Southern recruiting but we probably would also be forced to drop Navy and Purdue.

Recruiting in CA is pretty fruitless anyways (which only a very, VERY few exceptions)... we tend to finish second or third for most players we want, and the ones we land have an absurd attrition/bust rate.

 

[Cackalacky]

I am shocked by this. Shocked I tell you.

 

[MNIrishman]

Captain Jack has been extremely adamant about maintaining Notre Dame's relationship with Stanford. Obviously that brings athletic benefits, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were some academic ones as well. Many ND students aspire to graduate school at Stanford, and our football relationship helps encourage name recognition and familiarity.

 

[vermin]

Wait one second. How does joining the ACC help ND get into the college football playoff? The whole problem is that we see TCU and Baylor getting ousted from the CFP because they went 11-1 and didn't have a conference championship game to play in and win.

The problem with joining the ACC (a weak conference) is that a 12-1 team with a conference title is still getting jumped by the likes of TCU and Baylor. I mean if FSU had gone 11-1 regular season (which they should have after losing to us!) and then won the ACC conference championship game does anyone on this board truly believe they would have been in the CFP? NO WAY.

ACC is not the solution to ND's playoff hunt. Winning is.

 

[MNIrishman]

Wait one second. How does joining the ACC help ND get into the college football playoff? The whole problem is that we see TCU and Baylor getting ousted from the CFP because they went 11-1 and didn't have a conference championship game to play in and win.

The problem with joining the ACC (a weak conference) is that a 12-1 team with a conference title is still getting jumped by the likes of TCU and Baylor. I mean if FSU had gone 11-1 regular season (which they should have after losing to us!) and then won the ACC conference championship game does anyone on this board truly believe they would have been in the CFP? NO WAY.

ACC is not the solution to ND's playoff hunt. Winning is.

Whatup mah brutha

 

[Cackalacky]

I think a move to the Coastal would be the best scenario. Between Charlotte, Atlanta, Virginia, PA, the Carolinas and Florida , we could get a good recruiting base going. There are good kids that are over looked in the Carolinas and VA especially. I mean I really think there are several kids every year in the SC 4A that could do well in ND.

 

[NCND]

I hope ND joins the ACC. Gives the players something more to play for besides National Title or bust. All conference bids, conference championship, etc..

 

[scUM Hater]

Swarbrick has already set up the slow transition to ACC membership for football. We have to play 5 games. Play another 3 and then you are part of the league. ND cam keep USC, Stanford and Navy. Keep Purdue or another rotating competetor. Swarbrick is slow playing this to let the uber-traditionalist get used to a "slower" process of joining a league. In the words of the red stripe guy "Brilliant"

 

[GoldenDomer]

I wouldn't mind. Easier to recruit ACC country.

 

[irishtrain]

Actually it's not good news.

It would signal the end to an era of Notre Dame.

Back when Notre Dame had so much clout they didn't need anyone else, conference or team, to have everybody's respect.

Sad day when this happens.

Even if the reality is already here.

This force of hands was much desired for a long time to limit Notre Dame's national recruiting appeal.

All things come to an end.

Stay independent even if it means possible exclusion from a playoff. Notre Dame is not going to be a perennial playoff team. Once every 10 years is not enough to forfeit your legacy. Leave the carcass of college football to the sec/finebaum/Alabama/win at all cost mercenary football programs out there. Its time to realize that college football is now espn and an awards show made to sell advertising. Don't do this or the subway alumni go the way of the dinosaurs. All you will have left is something like Boston College fitted into the acc. This is sad very sad. Notre Dame will lose everything and gain almost nothing but a once every 10 year chance at a playoff. Swarbrick is about to make a huge mistake if this is true.

 

[irishff1014]

I don't think that 11-1 gets left out at 8 game playoff but the question is when do they go to that?

They could probably make it in at 11-1 in the 4 team system but the schedule will be stupid tough. I don't like having to play GT and Navy in the same year that's bull crap to ask the players to go through that twice. I kinda like busters idea. But I also like the idea of staying free and doing whatever we want.

 

[irishtrain]

I don't think that 11-1 gets left out at 8 game playoff but the question is when do they go to that?

They could probably make it in at 11-1 in the 4 team system but the schedule will be stupid tough. I don't like having to play GT and Navy in the same year that's bull crap to ask the players to go through that twice. I kinda like busters idea. But I also like the idea of staying free and doing whatever we want.

If they go to 8 teams all this is a mute point. I like all that you guys are saying and agree. Its strange don't you think that everyone out there who are not Notre Dame people say the Irish need to be in a conference-why is that-jealousy because they HAVE to be in a conference. What conference is big enough to absorb Notre Dame and not be know as Notre Dame's conference rather than whatever its name is. Notre Dame just becomes another college football team. Please don't do this Jack. ( sit tight and wait for an 8 team playoff )

 

[Bubbles]

If they go to 8 teams all this is a mute point. I like all that you guys are saying and agree. Its strange don't you think that everyone out there who are not Notre Dame people say the Irish need to be in a conference-why is that-jealousy because they HAVE to be in a conference. What conference is big enough to absorb Notre Dame and not be know as Notre Dame's conference rather than whatever its name is. Notre Dame just becomes another college football team. Please don't do this Jack. ( sit tight and wait for an 8 team playoff )

mute, or just really quiet?

 

[johnnycando]

Stay independent even if it means possible exclusion from a playoff. Notre Dame is not going to be a perennial playoff team. Once every 10 years is not enough to forfeit your legacy. Leave the carcass of college football to the sec/finebaum/Alabama/win at all cost mercenary football programs out there. Its time to realize that college football is now espn and an awards show made to sell advertising. Don't do this or the subway alumni go the way of the dinosaurs. All you will have left is something like Boston College fitted into the acc. This is sad very sad. Notre Dame will lose everything and gain almost nothing but a once every 10 year chance at a playoff. Swarbrick is about to make a huge mistake if this is true.

Agreed.

 

[Cali_domer]

We're not truly independent now so this means a lot less now then it did in the past.

ACC coastal baby!

 

[Crazy Balki]

Actually it's not good news.

It would signal the end to an era of Notre Dame.

Back when Notre Dame had so much clout they didn't need anyone else, conference or team, to have everybody's respect.

Sad day when this happens.

Even if the reality is already here.

This force of hands was much desired for a long time to limit Notre Dame's national recruiting appeal.

All things come to an end.

I honestly don't give a shit about our overly inflated ego, and the simple fact that we can say we're independent. My gripe with joining a conference is that if it's financially wise. If we join the ACC, we'll have to share our bowl spoils with the rest of the conference. If it's monetarily not going to hurt us, I'm all for joining the ACC. Otherwise, no. Money talks, and money walks. I'm all for academic and athletic striving, but at the end of the day, green backs are what keep this university alive and well.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Any truth to the rumors that Mike Slive is meeting with the ND admins this weekend? Texas A&M's pass-happy/no defense approach isn't working for them in the SECW and there are rumors they might be heading back to the Big 12. ND in the SECW could have some interesting implications.


OK, I made all that up, but...

 

[irishfan]

Meh. Not worth it IMO. As others have posted, I don't see this move being the difference between our current state and making the jump to regular playoff contender.

Also, I'd rather let this playoff system play out a bit more before making any rash decisions. Maybe it becomes an 8-team playoff in five years? Maybe the increase in tough OOC scheduling across the country means that 2-loss teams regularly make the playoff?

The ACC will always be there. No reason to rush a move like this.

 

[Legacy]

Any truth to the rumors that Mike Slive is meeting with the ND admins this weekend? Texas A&M's pass-happy/no defense approach isn't working for them in the SECW and there are rumors they might be heading back to the Big 12. ND in the SECW could have some interesting implications.


OK, I made all that up, but...

Let's see....
- Alabama would find a way to duck us.
- We would be scheduling Vandy and Kentucky yearly
- We'd double our revenue
- Special treatment by the NCAA
- Any infractions would result in a player sitting out a half
- We'd be rated in the top 15 preseason
- Season ticket requests for the other SECW teams would double
- We'd have to schedule Iowa State instead of USC because of our tough SECW schedule

Ok, I am pulling your leg.

 

[50milesSE ND]

Meh. Not worth it IMO. As others have posted, I don't see this move being the difference between our current state and making the jump to regular playoff contender.

Also, I'd rather let this playoff system play out a bit more before making any rash decisions. Maybe it becomes an 8-team playoff in five years? Maybe the increase in tough OOC scheduling across the country means that 2-loss teams regularly make the playoff?

The ACC will always be there. No reason to rush a move like this.

This is a good point for sure. As a fan I know we will not always be in the hunt for a national championship, but if we aren't at all because desire for independence then doesn't make sense to keep playing football. It would be hard to field a team with talent if no shot at championship.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

I honestly don't give a shit about our overly inflated ego, and the simple fact that we can say we're independent. My gripe with joining a conference is that if it's financially wise. If we join the ACC, we'll have to share our bowl spoils with the rest of the conference. If it's monetarily not going to hurt us, I'm all for joining the ACC. Otherwise, no. Money talks, and money walks. I'm all for academic and athletic striving, but at the end of the day, green backs are what keep this university alive and well.

Bowl spoils? With the irrelevant bowls ND has been going to, I figured they ended up losing money on the trips. 1988...or even 1993...is a long time ago. The Administration is only going to allow ND to be competitive enough to keep the money rolling in knowing that it's loyal fans are suckers for the "wait till next year" mantra (me included). They couldn't give a shit if ND ever wins a NC...just keep the money rolling in for their new buildings & pet projects.