Conference Realignment: Notre Dame Football, Why It's Smart to Join a Conference

Would it really be a bad idea? Going to a conference could have some advantages. There are many traditions Notre Dame is involved with teams that are in the Big 10. For example, Michigan vs. Notre Dame game, and Notre Dame vs. Michigan State.

How about a yearly matchup against Ohio State? Are you telling me that would not develop into a rivalry? I don’t buy it. Notre Dame will be Notre Dame no matter what conference they're in. The Irish will be the biggest name in any conference they join. Recruiting would only improve, because every schedule would be full of exciting matchups that would have recruits salivating.

It is a draw to play in conference championships as well. When the Irish have an early loss, like they did this season, there is nothing to look forward to other than a possible bowl game. On the other hand, if the Irish join the Big Ten or ACC, if the team loses an early game, they could still play for, and win, their conference championship. This would then lead to a BCS bowl.

There are several advantages to dropping the Independence. One aspect people are not talking about that will also hurt the Irish is the schedule. With the idea of expanding conferences to as many as 16 teams, there will be fewer opportunities to schedule non-conference games.

Every team is limited in games for non-conference matchups. So with an increase in the amount of conference games, there would be fewer opportunities for the Irish to play elite teams, thus hurting recruiting. Now I’m not saying I completely support the idea. I grew up in Northwest Indiana, and I love the tradition of the schedule, trust me. I just think that it also has its advantages.

The academics would not drop off joining these conferences. Notre Dame is known for its academics. Everyone knows this fact. Yet, so are Michigan and Wisconsin in the Big Ten, and Duke and North Carolina in the ACC. These schools also have prestigious academics, and forming a relationship with these programs is a good thing. I’m not saying that the Irish have to rush into a conference, but if they decide to one day, be open to the idea.