[NU Sports] Big Ten and ND

[Jonathan Hodges]

Note that the NBC contract was renewed 2 years ago (during Notre Dame's
worst season ever) and won't expire for some time.  It is all about that
contract, and unless NBC somehow gets out of it, I don't see ND's stance on
its football independence changing.  (Note that Comcast's takeover bid for
NBC throws a wrinkle in the situation, but I still don't see them being able
to get out of a contract).  The only time this question will likely come up
again is when the contract expires.

Also note that Delaney said that even if a 12th game is added, the Big Ten
may forego a championship game.  As we've seen, a championship game isn't
always a sure thing (basically the only conference that has made it work
most of the time is the SEC), typically costing the conference a second BCS
berth (wonder why the Big Ten leads all conferences in BCS berths).

I think it would be interesting to get them in the Big Ten and could present
an interesting rivalry with NU, but I can't see it realistically happening
soon.

Jonathan

On Tue, Dec 8, 2009 at 7:10 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
>
> I can't help but to wonder if now is the time for the Big Ten Conference to
> cut the deal with Notre Dame. The program is in turmoil. They may be looking
> for the structure and schedule that the Big Ten would provide. Like SjT
> pointed out, in 1993 Penn State joined the Big Ten. That was the last season
> that Notre Dame was relevant on the national stage. It also happens to be
> the same year Fitz enrolled an NU - note where the two programs have gone
> since!
>
> I hate Notre Dame with a passion, but this deal seems to make sense.
> There's a lot of money and exposure for the conference if it has a
> championship game. I know that some would think that a conference
> championship would diminish our chances of putting two in the BCS and that's
> a valid concern, but it won't always be the case. a 10-3 conference
> championship loser from the Big Ten would still have great appeal to fill
> seats at a BCS at-large game.
>
> If it happened, and all trophy games were to be preserved (I think), the
> divisions would have to be:
>
> DIV A - Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota
>
> DIV B - Northwestern, Notre Dame, Penn State, Illinois, Purdue, Indiana
>
> Perhaps the next ND coach will have Big Ten ties and lobby internally.
> Though really, I guess it all boils down to a handful of executives at NBC
> and their interest in renewing the ND contract.
>
> Victory & Honor,
> Jim
>
>
>
>
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