Notre Dame Legend Lou Holtz Wants His Former Team in the Big Ten

The conference expansion talk surrounding Notre Dame joining the Big Ten is an issue that has been mostly separated into two factions pitted against each other, there are those in the yay column and those in the nay.   

Those in the nay are arguing for Notre Dame to keep its traditional independence. They are usually those who cheer for one team loyally, the golden domers.  

Those in the yay argue for Notre Dame to join a conference. This group is usually the fans that cheer for two teams every Saturday in the fall—their personal favorite, and whoever is playing the Irish. 

Swarbrick, Kelly, Ndukwe, a host of Irish affiliated, as well as their national following, have all weighed in on Notre Dame keeping their independence with an overwhelming "Yes!"

Today, that all changed. 

Former coach Lou Holtz, who not only coached that same independent, gold helmeted team, but also was the last one to give them a national championship and a decent winning percentage, admitted to the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, Minnesota that he thinks the Irish should join the Big Ten. 

"I'm an old man, and all my life I've said that Notre Dame should remain independent because it's a national school...We played the very best in the country from Texas to Tennessee to Miami of Florida to Southern Cal...However, two days ago was the first time I've ever said that I think Notre Dame ought to seriously consider joining the Big Ten," Holtz said.

Holtz's reasoning behind his thoughts are the same as all the others who want Notre Dame to give up their independence.  He sees both the potential for great revenue, as well as the fact this isn't just a football issue

"What you're trying to do is build up your Big Ten Network [on television], so by bringing Nebraska in or Notre Dame, or whoever else may be...it's not just about football, you have to look at what Notre Dame's non-revenue sports and Olympic sports, where they're going to go, where they're going to compete, where they going to have a chance to win the championship," Holtz said.

So the question then remains, is Lou Holtz one of the members of the very minute faction of Notre Dame nation who has it right?  Or has he completely lost it? 

Perhaps more importantly, could he be giving us all a little insight?

Holtz didn't just express his personal opinion about what the school should do.  Holtz went on to say what he thinks will be the inevitable future for his former team.

"And, I think that for the first time, Notre Dame ought to consider joining the Big Ten. I never felt I would say that. But I believe that in my heart now, and I think that maybe they will," he said.

Such a quote coming from someone so steeped in the Irish lore is an important factor in gaining perspective on this entire issue. There is no doubt that Holtz not only knows what is going on behind closed doors in South Bend, but also that he has some say in the decisions being made. 

For Holtz to say he thinks Notre Dame will join the Big Ten means those in power are likely strongly considering the move, and possibly even making plans already. 

But does all this talk from a legend make fans question one of the biggest members of the Irish fraternity's allegiance?

There's no denying Holtz's undying love for the Irish.  He reminds the nation of it every Saturday during ESPN's College Gameday, often picking the Irish to win week in and week out, no matter the team's record, opponent or odds. 

But then again, maybe his reason for that isn't just his fanhood.  It might be his opinion of the competition as well. 

In the same interview, the coach doesn't just stop with taking the sides of those who want the Irish to give up their independence.  He's also goes on to voice his disappointment with, what he feels, is the lack of decent opponents on the field week in and week out. 

"They play Western Michigan, they play Tulsa, they play some people like that. That's not really Notre Dame," the coach said. 

For some time now, Holtz has been a strong public representative for the university. With his spot as a correspondent on ESPN, it could be argued that he is the school's No. 1 ambassador. 

On top of this, given the string of bad play the team has had for quite some time now, appreciation for Holtz has gone up even higher in recent years. 

He's become a "made man" in the Notre Dame mafia. 

Which leaves Notre Dame fans answering one of two questions when all is said and done about Holtz's statements. 

Do they change your opinion of Lou Holtz?

Or, do they change your opinion of expansion?