I think several years of the CFP will ultimately shape ND's thinking. Let's
see how the selection committee makes its selections over time and more importantly, and how those committee discussions go.
Terry and Domer both acknowledge that ND will join if conference membership becomes a "requirement" to make the CFP. There is no reason to think they are wrong.
Regardless of the language in the selection criteria, I think the discussions related to the selections (and all schools will be privy to those) will determine what the practical rules are, or are not.
ND's leadership wants access to the playoff and they can do the math. Even if it isn't ND specific, they will hear how one loss non-champs and significant G5's are treated in final weekend discussions; are they close to making it or not?
In year one, the media/public was oblivious to the new selection system. Even the Big 12 commissioner had no clue, making the ultimate faux pas in not immediately designating a specific champion. Year 2 showed some greater understanding, but by and large, the media and public still haven't read the criteria. Statements like "if the playoff was today" and references to "leap-frogging" continue to demonstrate the lack of familiarity of the system. They don't understand that all of the selection criteria are applied only once, selection day.
I think the discussions surrounding non-champs will ultimately determine whether of not ND joins a conference. IF some prominent, really good teams aren't factoring in the discussions on selection weekend, or IF conference champs are getting excused for some iffy losses, I think ND will see the handwriting on the wall and act accordingly.
[Post edited by daveinop at 09/20/2016 11:38AM]
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In response to this post by Will Stewart)
Posted: 09/20/2016 at 11:38AM