At one point ND didn't play in bowl games. Then they didn't redshirt. In order to compete they have to play by the same rules as the Big Boys. They have to fill gaps like the Womens Basketball program. Muffet did it and so is Ivey. If academics will always be the crutch to lean there is no way in hell they will ever win a National Championship. Alabama, Ohio St., Georgia & now USC just wait for players to transfer in. The system is broken and until they get a handle on it it's the Wild West. And this isn't about Freeeman. It's about the Notre Dame Administration tying one arm behind his back just like they did with Kelly. They're fine with making it to the playoffs but aren't willing to put it all on the line to win a NC.