If the writing is on the wall to join a conferance why not go in as the Top Dog. With ND becoming a member other teams would jump ship in a heartbeat. The Pac 12 is pretty much dead. Other than Clemson so is the ACC. Notre Dame gets eyeballs on the tube and the Big 12 becomes relevant again. Let Clemson & Miami go to the SEC. Florida St., North Carolina, Oregon & Washington will all be looking for somewhere to go soon. As long as they keep winning the balls in their court.
Whether it's 2 or 4 super conferences they will need nonconf opponents and ND fits the bill. ND can pick & choose their schedule and every network will pony up for their games. Potential litigation will keep ND in the college football playoffs. So absolutely no need to give up independence.
ND could conceivably be in it for years to come, as long as Freeman is even a half-decent game day coach. His recruiting is top notch.
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No thanks
I kid.
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If that's the case ND has to go to the Big Ten. If that happens 10 wins will be considered a great season.