At least it is unlikely in the near future. Those dreaming of a big four conference structure with the only access being through a playoff are dreaming indeed. Do you think the current 100+ major programs will winnow themselves down to, 80 for example, in an orderly and timely fashion, and that there will not be major challenges from vested Congressmen, interested state legistlators, and excluded universities? This is a decade-long transition that has no guarantee of happening, and no real need to occur.

So long as there is a path to a playoff as an independent Notre Dame has little incentive to join any conference. Further, the ACC is the weakest of the major conferences - excluding the B12 - and is no position to pressure Notre Dame to do anything. The best card we have to play is that we are willing to offer partial membership.

So, regardless of what you are hearing, I'd take a look at the hard facts surrounding a major reorganization of college football - a multibillion dollar industry filled with litigious parties. It's hard to imagine any such reorg forcing the Irish to join a conference in five years. One federal injunction can shut the whole process down, and there won't just be one suit.

Notre Dame's admin would be foolish to get in bed with the ACC now, and share revenues with the likes of revenue vampires like Wake Forest. The ACC should focus on making an attractive offer to Texas - catch the flies with honey.


[Post edited by lawhokie at 05/24/2016 2:22PM]