Great article on ND remaining Independent

[NDinNJ]

In The End, Notre Dame Is The Only Major Football Institution With Any Integrity

Every single thing we love about College Football has been destroyed by the almighty dollar. The pageantry, the tradition, the regionality, the rivalries, the fact that conference championship was pos...

www.barstoolsports.com

 

[Airzee23]

ND’s schedule has been weakened and destroyed by the five game ACC pact. Louisville, Syracuse, Wake, Virginia, Pitt, etc. zzzzzzzzzz to “independent status.”

Swarbrick’s legacy is absolute garbage. It would be a beautiful thing to join a mega conference at this point. ND thinks they can get in to the CFP via name brand only. Okay, maybe so. But playing a Tennessee State level schedule will get you a 56-0 loss in the semi-finals.

Lord, save ND football.

 

[sjb75]

In The End, Notre Dame Is The Only Major Football Institution With Any Integrity

Every single thing we love about College Football has been destroyed by the almighty dollar. The pageantry, the tradition, the regionality, the rivalries, the fact that conference championship was pos...

www.barstoolsports.com

Stellar article. You can thank Father Jenkins, Jack Swarbick, the Notre Dame BOT, and all of the leaders before them for their unwavering vision of what Notre Dame should and will be.

 

[mva5580]

Are there seriously people here who think ND wouldn't join a conference if they didn't have their own TV deal? That's the ONLY THING, and has been for a long time now, keeping them Independent.

 

[HDK]

No little irony in saying ND didn't sell out. ND has been selling out since the day of Rockne when the university sent the team around the country to a. make money and b. publicize itself and more recently with the NBC deal.

 

[Patrirish]

Are there seriously people here who think ND wouldn't join a conference if they didn't have their own TV deal? That's the ONLY THING, and has been for a long time now, keeping them Independent.

You’re misinformed, that’s not true.

 

[mva5580]

You’re misinformed, that’s not true.

I love when certain posters here, and you’re certainly on that list, tell me I’m wrong. No better way of knowing that I’m right.

 

[NDinNJ]

Are there seriously people here who think ND wouldn't join a conference if they didn't have their own TV deal? That's the ONLY THING, and has been for a long time now, keeping them Independent.

lol, the money from the TV deal has been pocket money. If it was about the money from the TV deal, they would have joined the B10 a long time ago.

 

[NDinNJ]

I love when certain posters here, and you’re certainly on that list, tell me I’m wrong. No better way of knowing that I’m right.

YOU ARE WRONG.

 

[NDinNJ]

No little irony in saying ND didn't sell out. ND has been selling out since the day of Rockne when the university sent the team around the country to a. make money and b. publicize itself and more recently with the NBC deal.

You clearly don't know the history of Notre Dame and the B10, especially Michigan.

 

[NDinNJ]

ND’s schedule has been weakened and destroyed by the five game ACC pact. Louisville, Syracuse, Wake, Virginia, Pitt, etc. zzzzzzzzzz to “independent status.”

Swarbrick’s legacy is absolute garbage. It would be a beautiful thing to join a mega conference at this point. ND thinks they can get in to the CFP via name brand only. Okay, maybe so. But playing a Tennessee State level schedule will get you a 56-0 loss in the semi-finals.

Lord, save ND football.

I agree the schedules haven't been great the last few years, but the Tennessee state comment is not fair. All the elite schools have been playing FCS opponents for decades.

 

[sjb75]

lol, the money from the TV deal has been pocket money. If it was about the money from the TV deal, they would have joined the B10 a long time ago.

Notre Dame has turned down the Big 10 and their money for decades.

One huge No Thank You for again, decades.

 

[Patrirish]

ND’s schedule has been weakened and destroyed by the five game ACC pact. Louisville, Syracuse, Wake, Virginia, Pitt, etc. zzzzzzzzzz to “independent status.”

Swarbrick’s legacy is absolute garbage. It would be a beautiful thing to join a mega conference at this point. ND thinks they can get in to the CFP via name brand only. Okay, maybe so. But playing a Tennessee State level schedule will get you a 56-0 loss in the semi-finals.

Lord, save ND football.

Why did you leave Clemson out ?
Answer: Because it doesn’t fit your misguided narrative.

Swarbrick has an outstanding legacy, you’re just ignorant about all of the things he’s done for Notre Dame and college football.

Joining a conference does very little for Notre Dame.

Typically, the cry for Notre Dame to join a conference comes from those who never attended Notre Dame, such as yourself.

I‘m not thrilled with scheduling Tennessee State, but Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas and others have been scheduling lesser opponents for decades.

Notre Dame football doesn’t need saving, it just needs a little fine tuning, like most other programs.

How many schools played in three National Championship playoffs in the last ten years ?

Notre Dame is one of them.

Go spout your drivel and your anti-ND garbage somewhere else !

 

[Patrirish]

I love when certain posters here, and you’re certainly on that list, tell me I’m wrong. No better way of knowing that I’m right.

And I love when posters with no formal connection to the administration and BOT‘s at Notre Dame tell us what Notre Dame does or doesn’t do based on pure speculation on their part.

To date, you’re uniformed and you’re wrong !

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

No little irony in saying ND didn't sell out. ND has been selling out since the day of Rockne when the university sent the team around the country to a. make money and b. publicize itself and more recently with the NBC deal.

But did they sacrifice tradition and loyalty in doing so?

 

[Patrirish]

No little irony in saying ND didn't sell out. ND has been selling out since the day of Rockne when the university sent the team around the country to a. make money and b. publicize itself and more recently with the NBC deal.

That’s not why Rockne went National

You should know that ND had a TV deal long before NBC came along, as did UP.

Tell us what school wants their football program to lose money !

 

[IrishMike409]

I agree the schedules haven't been great the last few years, but the Tennessee state comment is not fair. All the elite schools have been playing FCS opponents for decades.

Couldn’t agree more. 1-2 games vs TSU and “like” TSU is fine. Everyone else does it.

We don’t need Top 25 games every week.

 

[bluehair666]

or maybe ND fears going down the path of other independent's, psu, fsu and miami..there are many good things about ND and its athletic history, but that article is laughable...

 

[NDinNJ]

Why did you leave Clemson out ?
Answer: Because it doesn’t fit your misguided narrative.

Swarbrick has an outstanding legacy, you’re just ignorant about all of the things he’s done for Notre Dame and college football.

Joining a conference does very little for Notre Dame.

Typically, the cry for Notre Dame to join a conference comes from those who never attended Notre Dame, such as yourself.

I‘m not thrilled with scheduling Tennessee State, but Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas and others have been scheduling lesser opponents for decades.

Notre Dame football doesn’t need saving, it just needs a little fine tuning, like most other programs.

How many schools played in three National Championship playoffs in the last ten years ?

Notre Dame is one of them.

Go spout your drivel and your anti-ND garbage somewhere else !

👍

 

[sjb75]

or maybe ND fears going down the path of other independent's, psu, fsu and miami..there are many good things about ND and its athletic history, but that article is laughable...

What's laughable is your post.

 

[bluehair666]

What's laughable is your post.

lol, ok, guy

 

[Telx1]

Swarbrick has been very clear in stating commitment to independence, but also clear as to the two considerations that would alter this….inability to compete for the National Championship and financial disparity large enough to render ND non competitive. The recent apparel deal and the forthcoming TV deal are critical to staying financially competitive and the Agreed to playoff formula is critical to our playoff eligibility. Both support our continued independence.
The continued survival of the ACC is also critical in my opinion, as our other sports need to belong to a conference. If the ACC ever folds or gets decimated like the PAC 12, I don’t think ND will find another home for these sports without the football team being part of the deal. I think our continued independence is inextricably tied to the continued survival of the ACC.

 

[ivan brunetti]

In The End, Notre Dame Is The Only Major Football Institution With Any Integrity

Every single thing we love about College Football has been destroyed by the almighty dollar. The pageantry, the tradition, the regionality, the rivalries, the fact that conference championship was pos...

www.barstoolsports.com

Lotta BS in this article. Let's look at just the first paragraph...

"Every single thing we love about College Football has been destroyed by the almighty dollar. (Strong disagree) The pageantry (still there), the tradition (traditions are always evolving), the regionality (true, but ND isn't regional), the rivalries (some are gone, some are growing), the fact that conference championship was possible and everything for schools like Iowa, Washington State, Oregon State, Purdue, Texas Tech (aside from OSU & Wazzu for now, how has that changed?). One magical season for a mid-tier program could sustain a fan base for a generation (still true). Those dream seasons are dead because Purdue might be able to put it all together to win a BigTen league in a year where they catch Michigan and Ohio State in a down year, but the idea that they could somehow finish ahead of Michigan, Ohio State, USC, and Oregon feels impossible (lol, TCU just won the B12, Pitt won the ACC in '21). And yet it is still better to be Purdue than Cal, Oregon State, or Washington State today (True. But Purdue has generally long enjoyed more football success than those programs).

 

[sjb75]

or maybe ND fears going down the path of other independent's, psu, fsu and miami..there are many good things about ND and its athletic history, but that article is laughable...

Lotta BS in this article. Let's look at just the first paragraph...

"Every single thing we love about College Football has been destroyed by the almighty dollar. (Strong disagree) The pageantry (still there), the tradition (traditions are always evolving), the regionality (true, but ND isn't regional), the rivalries (some are gone, some are growing), the fact that conference championship was possible and everything for schools like Iowa, Washington State, Oregon State, Purdue, Texas Tech (aside from OSU & Wazzu for now, how has that changed?). One magical season for a mid-tier program could sustain a fan base for a generation (still true). Those dream seasons are dead because Purdue might be able to put it all together to win a BigTen league in a year where they catch Michigan and Ohio State in a down year, but the idea that they could somehow finish ahead of Michigan, Ohio State, USC, and Oregon feels impossible (lol, TCU just won the B12, Pitt won the ACC in '21). And yet it is still better to be Purdue than Cal, Oregon State, or Washington State today (True. But Purdue has generally long enjoyed more football success than those programs).

All garbage.

 

[Holycrossover3]

I’ll stand with Jack, pro independence until it’s proven to no longer be beneficial. If we can continue to schedule top teams with the new landscape, I’m all for it.

However, once the dust settles, if we are unable to lock in home & homes with Big 10/SEC schools, I would say it’s no longer beneficial.

 

[bluehair666]

All garbage.

i agree, that article is all garbage

 

[ivan brunetti]

All garbage.

Hey, I can understand ND fans wanting to remain independent.

But an article that champions ND for defending "regionality" is just stupid. ND is arguably the least regional team in college ball. That article seems to have been written by a 16 year old.

 

[Kelso86]

I’ll stand with Jack, pro independence until it’s proven to no longer be beneficial. If we can continue to schedule top teams with the new landscape, I’m all for it.

However, once the dust settles, if we are unable to lock in home & homes with Big 10/SEC schools, I would say it’s no longer beneficial.

"If we can continue to schedule top teams with the new landscape, I’m all for it"

That may be the kicker -- depending how these "new" conference plan their conference games.

 

[ohio1980]

Swarbrick has been very clear in stating commitment to independence, but also clear as to the two considerations that would alter this….inability to compete for the National Championship and financial disparity large enough to render ND non competitive. The recent apparel deal and the forthcoming TV deal are critical to staying financially competitive and the Agreed to playoff formula is critical to our playoff eligibility. Both support our continued independence.
The continued survival of the ACC is also critical in my opinion, as our other sports need to belong to a conference. If the ACC ever folds or gets decimated like the PAC 12, I don’t think ND will find another home for these sports without the football team being part of the deal. I think our continued independence is inextricably tied to the continued survival of the ACC.

This is so accurate, its scary!

 

[tbonesays]

I’ll stand with Jack, pro independence until it’s proven to no longer be beneficial. If we can continue to schedule top teams with the new landscape, I’m all for it.

However, once the dust settles, if we are unable to lock in home & homes with Big 10/SEC schools, I would say it’s no longer beneficial.

Seriously, who thinks the conferences are going to lock out a program that draws people into their half empty stadia? Do you think ESPN or Fox is paying billions to freeze out a marquee matchup? Does anyone think the corporate sponsors don't know what they're paying for?

 

[theskibro]

Stellar article. You can thank Father Jenkins, Jack Swarbick, the Notre Dame BOT, and all of the leaders before them for their unwavering vision of what Notre Dame should and will be.

I would never think woke Jenkins for anything. Zero.

 

[sjb75]

Seriously, who thinks the conferences are going to lock out a program that draws people into their half empty stadia? Do you think ESPN or Fox is paying billions to freeze out a marquee matchup? Does anyone think the corporate sponsors don't know what they're paying for?

There's a reason USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington are in Big 10 news and not Notre Dame.

 

[HDK]

Seriously, who thinks the conferences are going to lock out a program that draws people into their half empty stadia? Do you think ESPN or Fox is paying billions to freeze out a marquee matchup? Does anyone think the corporate sponsors don't know what they're paying for?

Extra points for proper use of the plural of stadium!

 

[Holycrossover3]

Seriously, who thinks the conferences are going to lock out a program that draws people into their half empty stadia? Do you think ESPN or Fox is paying billions to freeze out a marquee matchup? Does anyone think the corporate sponsors don't know what they're paying for?

I’m not assuming to know what the landscape will look like.

I agree with you when it comes to an away game for ND. Of course those TV networks want our draw. But we’d need home and homes scheduled.

If the mega conferences go to 10 game conference schedules, this is where things get difficult. Why would Michigan for example, schedule a home and home with ND when they could have their 2 out of conference games at home vs a lesser opponent? Their TV networks would also get both games, rather than give one to ND as well.

Again, if we figure this out, awesome! Just a worry of mine.

 

[ivan brunetti]

I’m not assuming to know what the landscape will look like.

I agree with you when it comes to an away game for ND. Of course those TV networks want our draw. But we’d need home and homes scheduled.

If the mega conferences go to 10 game conference schedules, this is where things get difficult. Why would Michigan for example, schedule a home and home with ND when they could have their 2 out of conference games at home vs a lesser opponent? Their TV networks would also get both games, rather than give one to ND as well.

Again, if we figure this out, awesome! Just a worry of mine.

I could see the Big Ten and SEC getting the NCAA to allow a 13th game. Ten conference games, one OOC game on the road and two home. Now that players can be compensated, the objection that 13 games is "too much" will likely fade away.

 

[ftnfan62]

ND’s schedule has been weakened and destroyed by the five game ACC pact. Louisville, Syracuse, Wake, Virginia, Pitt, etc. zzzzzzzzzz to “independent status.”

Swarbrick’s legacy is absolute garbage. It would be a beautiful thing to join a mega conference at this point. ND thinks they can get in to the CFP via name brand only. Okay, maybe so. But playing a Tennessee State level schedule will get you a 56-0 loss in the semi-finals.

Lord, save ND football.

IDK.......2 top 10, 1 top 20.......When was the last time that happend? Our schedule is tougher than OSU, Bama and UGA.

The real formula is to play 1 top 10, 1 top 25. Thats all you need. TCU last year played Tarleton State?

Bama opened with MTSU last year, this year that got Chatanooga. Not too many teams play USC, Clemson and OSU. All 3 could win their power 5 conference championships more than likely.

UGA plays Tennessee-Martin, Ball State and UAB all this year.

Seems like our schedule is just one game too hard if you want to be a playoff team. You just can't line up and play 1-12.

 

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

IDK.......2 top 10, 1 top 20.......When was the last time that happend? Our schedule is tougher than OSU, Bama and UGA.

The real formula is to play 1 top 10, 1 top 25. Thats all you need. TCU last year played Tarleton State?

Bama opened with MTSU last year, this year that got Chatanooga. Not too many teams play USC, Clemson and OSU. All 3 could win their power 5 conference championships more than likely.

UGA plays Tennessee-Martin, Ball State and UAB all this year.

Seems like our schedule is just one game too hard if you want to be a playoff team. You just can't line up and play 1-12.

There is no doubt ND's schedule this year is tougher than UGA's, Bama's and OSU's. But they are in a conference, and there are only a few OOC games their ADs need to worry about every year. And in most years, they schedule patsies in those games. Not every year, mind you, but in many years that is the case.

Being an independent, I suppose Swarbrick has to walk a tightrope between making a schedule with some opponents that will interest the alumni and fanbase, but not make the schedule so onerous that we are screwing ourselves out of an opportunity to get into the CFB playoff. Plus we have our 5 games with ACC opponents. Remaining an independent--and I hope it stays that way--poses some unique scheduling challenges. With the musical chair game that is going on with the conferences right now, I think it is very much up in the air whether ND will be able to remain an independent. I guess we will see.

 

[THUNDERSTRUCK111]

There is no doubt ND's schedule this year is tougher than UGA's, Bama's and OSU's. But they are in a conference, and there are only a few OOC games their ADs need to worry about every year. And in most years, they schedule patsies in those games. Not every year, mind you, but in many years that is the case.

Being an independent, I suppose Swarbrick has to walk a tightrope between making a schedule with some opponents that will interest the alumni and fanbase, but not make the schedule so onerous that we are screwing ourselves out of an opportunity to get into the CFB playoff. Plus we have our 5 games with ACC opponents. Remaining an independent--and I hope it stays that way--poses some unique scheduling challenges. With the musical chair game that is going on with the conferences right now, I think it is very much up in the air whether ND will be able to remain an independent. I guess we will see.

Great post.
I think we all can agree. We play a tough schedule . Swarbrick does his best to keep the schedule tough to leverage ND vs conference champions when playoff selection time comes around.

 

[IrishMike409]

I’ll stand with Jack, pro independence until it’s proven to no longer be beneficial. If we can continue to schedule top teams with the new landscape, I’m all for it.

However, once the dust settles, if we are unable to lock in home & homes with Big 10/SEC schools, I would say it’s no longer beneficial.

This is it. Really well said.

I’m in this camp.

 

[Patrirish]

This is it. Really well said.

I’m in this camp.

I agree …… time will tell !