Kelly, I think, knows this. I know Domers think that independence is the be all and end all but if national championships are their goal then ACC membership is the best way.

When the Alliance starts flexing its muscles, ND influence will likely be further diminished.

I remember Coach Cav at a recruit night talking about Notre Dame and how college football treats them differently than every other independent school. He said if it were up to him, he would tell ND that if they don't want to be treated like everyone else then just don't play them.