I think there is an argument that the ND admin fears conference affiliation
I'm not saying they fear topnotch opponents, especially after the 2016 schedule. I think the ND admin believes they will be less successful in football in a conference.
Put the Irish in a division with Michigan and OSU, for example, and calculate how often the Irish would be an also-ran in the B1G East. I think it would change the character and atmosphere of ND games.
The natural progression would be that the Irish would not play as many games outside of the midwest, and recruiting would suffer. Right now, most ND recruits come from outside the midwest. Would 9 games versus duds like Indiana, Illinois, NW, Ruts, et al. depress recruiting, and further undercut your chances against the B1G big boys? Just guessing but I'd say 'yes'.
The ACC is a different story and a lot more winnable if you stay away from FSU and Clemson's division. But, all of those crap games versus Wake, Duke, Cuse are killers.
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In response to this post by TerryD)
Posted: 09/19/2016 at 08:14AM