[NU Sports] EXPANSION

[Martinitis at aol.com]

Having followed this discussion for a while my observation is that an  
announcement from the Big Ten confirming Notre Dame's decision to join the  
conference is all we need. Then if we don't get Texas it really doesn't  matter.
 
It doesn't matter if you like ND or not.  They will increase the brand  of 
the conference more than the addition of any other 4 teams (even Texas)  
combined.  We don't like Ohio State.  But does anyone want them to  leave the 
conference?  We want Ohio State in the conference don't  we?  Good versus 
evil. And even if you don't like the Domers, you  can't quarrel with their 
academics. They are arrogant.....so we'll knock them  down a couple pegs with 
Fitz....and maybe even basketball :)  
 
Get ND.  For me, that's the ball game.    Their  membership in the 
Conference will give us the opportunity to meet, and  hopefully beat them, 
regularly.  And if two - 6 team divisions is all it  is,  I still see it as all good. 
 Two - 6 team divisions better our  chances for division titles in the 
future, as opposed to 7 or  8 team  divisions.  And we get more frequent games 
against ND....which I see as a  positive.
 
We can take our time in getting another 2 or 4 teams later down the road if 
 economics so dictate.
 
The powers that be have to convince the Irish that the 4 Super Conference  
set up is a foregone conclusion and their best place at the table is  with 
the Big 10. (Can you imagine them in the SEC? Even the Pac 10 makes  them 
look like an odd ball). And without Notre Dame.......WE are left  chasing 
Texas.  And they ain't coming.
 
Get the Irish.  Make draw them a picture..make them an offer they  can't 
refuse.
 
Lou