is a separate entity from the the NCAA. Just like the BCA and BCS were separate entities from the NCAA. Also, I know the current system allows access to Notre Dame and G5 schools. Hence my question about whether Notre Dame would sue to join the new association and maintain football independence even though football conference membership is a requirement of this new association. I do disagree that the organization hasn't evolved over the years. A case can be made that the organization started out as the BCA, then evolved into the BCS, and then evolved into the Playoff.

I disagree that only the ACC benefits from Notre Dame becoming a full member because the other conferences do too. If Notre Dame is given special access as an Independent, then some years that could mean 1 spot goes towards Notre Dame's "automatic bid." It will mean potentially 1 less spot for the other conferences. Also, if the Big XII doesn't exist anymore, then the easiest way to increase the Playoff to 8 teams without adding more games is to consider the 4 CCGs as the Quarterfinal Round. This plan isn't an option if Notre Dame is given access to the Playoff as an Independent. At least there is logical way for 9 teams to participate in an 8 team Playoff without either adding 1 additional game or giving Notre Dame access to the ACC's CCG as an Independent. The other conferences don't want to give Notre Dame that option.

Honestly the thought of the ACC using this to manipulate Notre Dame didn't cross my mind. What did inspire my question was the notion that power conference schools may want to expand the Playoff in the future without giving the G5 schools access and increasing the number of games played. It could even be the first step taken to where eventually the schools form a NFL-like organization where they decide to pool their resources together. Right now the conferences need the networks to help distribute their content. There could come a day when the conferences don't need the networks anymore and decide to cut out the "middle man."