John Ourand from the Sports Business Journal speculated that with NBC potentially being part of the Big Ten deal that the Michigan - ND series would be brought back sooner due to pressure from the network.
I disagree with this take.
First off, any TV network would love a Michigan - ND game, so to think the AD's from both schools are going to be pressured by an angry Peacock is just silly. One a side note, I don't usually give Ohio State much credit for anything but they finally decided to play ND and will host them to start the season in just a few weeks. ND's new coach Markus Freeman played at Ohio State.
Next, when the Big Ten adds UCLA and USC to the schedule, it's going to be difficult to find non-conference games. For example, is Michigan going to play USC, PSU, MSU, Wisconsin, and Ohio State in the Big Ten regular season? Then schedule ND in the non-conference? I believe there won't be an appetite to fill the non-conference spots with the likes of ND and other tough games.
Lastly, ND is on an island and at some point, these conferences are going to have to play hard ball with them. Meaning, I would think the rivalry game with USC is at risk and other Big Ten games. Join us or don't play us. That NBC contract will look pretty bad if ND is playing BYU, Wyoming, and Navy each week.
ND doesn't want to join a conference but needs big time conferences to play them. If you take away the games, then you take away their leverage. Making it difficult for them to reach the playoffs is another reason ND would consider joining a conference.
I know college fans love these traditional match-ups but you're seeing these games ripped off the schedule due to re-alignment. The Big 12 and PAC 10 are struggling and ND is the largest recruit out there. Pick a conference, even if it's the ACC full time.
- OSU has lost Evan Pryor a back-up RB to a season ending knee injury
- Jimmy was ranked #8 by ESPN Top College Football Coaches Ranking
2 comments:
I read last week that Notre Dame has a stipulation in their contract with the ACC that if they are to join a conference for football, it must be the ACC. So as Bo once said, "To Hell with Notre Dame!" I would treat N.D. as the hot girl and not give her any attention or flattery. ND's ego (Swarbrick) would get thirsty for people drooling over them and start initiating talks to join a conference ("Look at me! Look at me!") I say let'em rott.
Notre Dame can pound sand until the day after for all I care. GTH, golden dummers.
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