ND is ALL about relationships. They will play BC because its their catholic breathren, (they are rivals but respect). They will play NAVY every year, because of the academy's support of ND during WWII that kept ND program viable during the war years. There are deep respect for them,.

The 5 ACC games, is the deal for membership in the ACC for other sports, and also develops the bridge for any potential for football in the future, It builds a long-standing relationship between the ACC schools and ND, and if ND has to choose a conference it will be the ACC, however, that is a BIG IF. They are happy with the current situation, and really the ACC is as well. (No matter what crazy fans opinions are/ the presidents and AD are happy and that's all that matter.

The key is the other 6 games for ND. It is important to them for the USC/Stanford rotation. Gets them to the west coast every year. Now that leaves 4 games left. The question is do they maintain or re-establish games with their long rivals of Michigan, Michigan state, introduce other major top ranked programs (SEC members), or play less demanding path. and if the key is 12-0 or 11-1 to be in play; maybe the ACC track is the best for p-5 teams, NAVY and the California trek, and select only 1 premier game (texas, or SEC team, or Michigan) not too many.

It's sorta like VT TECH schedule model generally. We play 8 ACC teams, then we play one premier program (big 10/ND, and 3 from other conferences from the American, CUSA, or other Div IA program. Only deviation, occurs, when VT ACC schedules have FSU or Clemson on track, then the premier school might be a P5 schools but not a top ranked one. (ie Rutgers, Maryland or West VA).

In this world order now, Scheduling SMART is very very important. No matter what the old timers at Notre Dame expect, Kelley is pretty correct on his assesment