OT: Notre Dame AD says the ACC did “permanent damage” to its relationship with Notre Dame with its campaign for Miami in the CFP.

[Sheffielder]

Since we are like every other CFB fan base in America, I thought this was pretty funny. ND basically upset that their booty call - the ACC - did its part to lobby for Miami to get to the CFP.

I would love to see the ACC pull the plug on that relationship - with the winds of change blowing on 9-game conference seasons and questionable benefits to scheduling strong OOC opponents, it would leave them blowing in the wind like a tumbleweed.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

“Oh no, if it isn’t the consequences of my own actions.”

this ND meltdown is delicious.

 

[Sheffielder]

“Oh no, if it isn’t the consequences of my own actions.”

this ND meltdown is delicious.

I think what's funny about this is they totally stayed on brand by declining any potential bowl bid.

Had they just pointed out what the committee obviously did (swap them at the 11th hour), I think public opinion would actually be on their side.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

What is this "relationship" they speak of?

The one where they play whoever they want and keep all their bowl/playoff/NBC money for themselves?

 

[BosCat]

You're not going to believe this (actually, we probably all will):

"Bevacqua (ND AD) said Sunday language in a memorandum of understanding signed by Notre Dame last spring guarantees the Fighting Irish a playoff appearance if they rank inside the top 12 of the final poll. Notre Dame's playoff "assurance" for being ranked inside the top 12 doesn't go into effect until next season" LINK

Another story on this: LINK2

 

[Sheffielder]

You're not going to believe this (actually, we probably all will):

"Bevacqua (ND AD) said Sunday language in a memorandum of understanding signed by Notre Dame last spring guarantees the Fighting Irish a playoff appearance if they rank inside the top 12 of the final poll. Notre Dame's playoff "assurance" for being ranked inside the top 12 doesn't go into effect until next season" LINK

Another story on this: LINK2

This agreement makes perfect sense because it was timed to theoretically account for an expanded playoff of what will likely be 16 programs.

Assuming it's the Top 16 that gets in, as someone who actively roots against Notre Dame's privileges, guaranteeing them a spot if they are Top 12 seems reasonable and low-risk to me.

For Bevacqua to present this either in the light of "missed it by THAT much" dumb luck or that the committee should somehow feel obligated to honor that for 2025...the terms totally change a year from now and he's a windbag.

 

[docrugby1]

Note Dsme is a victim of their own avarice. They were in the heart of the B1G footprint and could have joined and probably negotiated immediate full membership. They cannot play for a conference championship but were able to bully their way into an agreement to almost guarantee their inclusion in the playoffs next year. Turning down a bowl game was an example of foolish pride
Miami beat ND head to head but I thought Alabama's poor showing ended their playoff hopes but the committee just held ND accountable for being an independent

 

[Hungry Jack]

Our Lady of the CFP Sorrows

 

[techtim72]

I don't want to waste the brain cells researching, but over the course of time hasn't ND had more than its share of favoritism in selection for the CFP?

 

[JustGary]

I don't want to waste the brain cells researching, but over the course of time hasn't ND had more than its share of favoritism in selection for the CFP?

At one point, the BCS needed Notre Dame to help viewership when they had only the 2 top teams and then the 4 top teams play. That is because they could schedule ND in one of the BCS six games and get viewership. But last year proved that the CFP did not need the Irish for people to watch. I think there will be a lot of rethinking by ND on playing a conference schedule. But then again, it is ND and they will stubbornly keep their independence.

Remember, ND did play in the 2020 ACC conference game because they played a full set of ACC games during that Covid year. If they make a deal to play 9 ACC games but retain their TV rights, I’m sure the ACC would go for it. Because at some point, the SEC and B1G will question why are they giving ND any special privileges and start treating them more like a G6 team.

 

[katatonic2]

It would have been malfeasance on the ACC's part if they didn't push for Miami, a member institution over one that, while a partner, is not.

Not only is Miami a member institution, the rest of the conference get to share in the spoils whereas they wouldn't see a dime if the Domers had gotten the nod.

If anything, the Domers should be more upset with Disney/ESPN/SC, plus there's an argument that BYU had a better resume.

Can't reap the rewards of being an independent (keeping all the playoff $) and then turn around and whine when things don't go your way.

Did they stick up for FSU a few years back?

Wilson went off on them on PTI - lol

 

[EvanstonCat]

This agreement makes perfect sense because it was timed to theoretically account for an expanded playoff of what will likely be 16 programs.

Assuming it's the Top 16 that gets in, as someone who actively roots against Notre Dame's privileges, guaranteeing them a spot if they are Top 12 seems reasonable and low-risk to me.

For Bevacqua to present this either in the light of "missed it by THAT much" dumb luck or that the committee should somehow feel obligated to honor that for 2025...the terms totally change a year from now and he's a windbag.

Easy way to get out of it. The committee ranks them 13th. Lol

 

[hdhntr1]

What is this "relationship" they speak of?

The one where they play whoever they want and keep all their bowl/playoff/NBC money for themselves?

Except this year because they don't get any bowl monies

 

[Eurocat]

Notre Dame schedule next year. One of the weakest of all time?

2025 Opponent Record: 64-79

vs Wisconsin (4-8)
vs Rice (5-7)
vs Michigan State (4-8)
at Purdue (2-10)
at UNC (4-8)
vs Navy (9-2)
vs Miami (10-2)
vs Boston College (2-10)
vs SMU (8-4)
at Syracuse (3-9)
vs Stanford (4-8)
vs USC (9-3)

And they automatically get in the playoff if they’re ranked 12 or higher?

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Easy way to get out of it. The committee ranks them 13th. Lol

Which is exactly what they’ll do

 

[PGPin3L]

I would love to see the ACC pull the plug on that relationship - with the winds of change blowing on 9-game conference seasons and questionable benefits to scheduling strong OOC opponents, it would leave them blowing in the wind like a tumbleweed.

Who is “them?” Notre Dame, the ACC or both?

Jim Phillips deserves some criticism for not leading an effort to get Miami into the title game in place of Duke. I think I heard something to the effect of the deciding factor for Duke was the result of the Stanford/North Carolina game or something akin to that. This was a situation where a leader was needed and he didn’t.

note to Eurocat: at present USC and Notre Dame do not have a contract to play in 2026 and beyond. This may be one of the reasons nobody has conference game actual dates in 2026.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Who is “them?” Notre Dame, the ACC or both?

Jim Phillips deserves some criticism for not leading an effort to get Miami into the title game in place of Duke. I think I heard something to the effect of the deciding factor for Duke was the result of the Stanford/North Carolina game or something akin to that. This was a situation where a leader was needed and he didn’t.

note to Eurocat: at present USC and Notre Dame do not have a contract to play in 2026 and beyond. This may be one of the reasons nobody has conference game actual dates in 2026.

How could Phillips change the rules in the middle of the season? The tie breakers were clearly outlined.

 

[JustGary]

Notre Dame schedule next year. One of the weakest of all time?

2025 Opponent Record: 64-79

vs Wisconsin (4-8)
vs Rice (5-7)
vs Michigan State (4-8)
at Purdue (2-10)
at UNC (4-8)
vs Navy (9-2)
vs Miami (10-2)
vs Boston College (2-10)
vs SMU (8-4)
at Syracuse (3-9)
vs Stanford (4-8)
vs USC (9-3)

And they automatically get in the playoff if they’re ranked 12 or higher?

This year proves that conference championship really mean nothing and they really need to stop automatic bids. Tulane, JMU, and Duke (all conference championship really) are not as deserving as Notre Dame, BYU, Texas, or Vanderbilt. Replacing the two G5 champions with any of those teams would vastly improve the field.

 

[Sheffielder]

Who is “them?” Notre Dame, the ACC or both?

Jim Phillips deserves some criticism for not leading an effort to get Miami into the title game in place of Duke. I think I heard something to the effect of the deciding factor for Duke was the result of the Stanford/North Carolina game or something akin to that. This was a situation where a leader was needed and he didn’t.

note to Eurocat: at present USC and Notre Dame do not have a contract to play in 2026 and beyond. This may be one of the reasons nobody has conference game actual dates in 2026.

In no uncertain terms, "them" is Notre Dame.

The ACC will be just fine without being the huckelberry that allows Notre Dame to enjoy their steaks without ever having to kill any cows. Yes of course ND brings crowds and spikes ticket sales - they also bring an unmatched level of smugness and entitlement that the Big Ten (or at least Jim Delany...) knew wasn't worth the humiliation.

If the ACC closes the door to the scheduling agreement, Notre Dame will of course find other ways to get where they need to be, but I would love to see the P2 stand firm and wish them the best with the Big 12 and Sun Belt.

 

[JustGary]

In no uncertain terms, "them" is Notre Dame.

The ACC will be just fine without being the huckelberry that allows Notre Dame to enjoy their steaks without ever having to kill any cows. Yes of course ND brings crowds and spikes ticket sales - they also bring an unmatched level of smugness and entitlement that the Big Ten (or at least Jim Delany...) knew wasn't worth the humiliation.

If the ACC closes the door to the scheduling agreement, Notre Dame will of course find other ways to get where they need to be, but I would love to see the P2 stand firm and wish them the best with the Big 12 and Sun Belt.

The PAC-? Needs teams. They can join that conference. Maybe they can convince that league to give ND an automatic bid to the PAC championship so that they can claim a conference championship no matter what their record is.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

In no uncertain terms, "them" is Notre Dame.

The ACC will be just fine without being the huckelberry that allows Notre Dame to enjoy their steaks without ever having to kill any cows. Yes of course ND brings crowds and spikes ticket sales - they also bring an unmatched level of smugness and entitlement that the Big Ten (or at least Jim Delany...) knew wasn't worth the humiliation.

If the ACC closes the door to the scheduling agreement, Notre Dame will of course find other ways to get where they need to be, but I would love to see the P2 stand firm and wish them the best with the Big 12 and Sun Belt.

The Big Ten would take ND in a heartbeat, and should.

 

[Sheffielder]

The Big Ten would take ND in a heartbeat, and should.

Yes, if Notre Dame wants to be 1/19th of the conference (or 1/20th since I doubt we'd sit at 19), then I totally agree. Notre Dame is in every cultural way, a Big Ten school.

If they want to give us a list of demands that deviate from what the other 18 members get...absolutely not.

One of the biggest mistake college football "leaders" have made is giving the ND athletic director a seat at the table with conference commissioners instead of inviting him to take a seat outside the conference room and letting him know "we'll call you in if needed."

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Yes, if Notre Dame wants to be 1/19th of the conference (or 1/20th since I doubt we'd sit at 19), then I totally agree. Notre Dame is in every cultural way, a Big Ten school.

If they want to give us a list of demands that deviate from what the other 18 members get...absolutely not.

One of the biggest mistake college football "leaders" have made is giving the ND athletic director a seat at the table with conference commissioners instead of inviting him to take a seat outside the conference room and letting him know "we'll call you in if needed."

I'd consider giving Notre Dame a sweetheart deal in that if they wanted to bring a second school with them that we otherwise wouldn't be interested in I'd consider it at the right share. But that's it.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

I'd consider giving Notre Dame a sweetheart deal in that if they wanted to bring a second school with them that we otherwise wouldn't be interested in I'd consider it at the right share. But that's it.

Who would it be? Stanford?

 

[Sheffielder]

I'd consider giving Notre Dame a sweetheart deal in that if they wanted to bring a second school with them that we otherwise wouldn't be interested in I'd consider it at the right share. But that's it.

I remember the rumors from ages ago was that Notre Dame and Texas wanted to come in as a package deal where they would be guaranteed to be each others' end-of-season opponents, and that ND would play one less conference game to preserve their "national" schedule.

Today I would imagine Stanford would be the request (which I guess might be a non starter depending on GoR...and Cal) and there would be no call for one less conference game since our conference would now put them in LA, Seattle, Chicago, NY/NJ, and DMV in any given year.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Who would it be? Stanford?

I'm speaking in general. I don't feel like ND would overly care about Stanford, but that would be the one way to let Stanford in, regrettably.

 

[WestCoastWildcat]

Don’t think Stanford would add much to the BigTen which already has too many members. The goal seems to make the BT a “national” conference so adding ND and Texas might make the most sense. I’m still sad the old PAC10 no longer exists.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

I'm speaking in general. I don't feel like ND would overly care about Stanford, but that would be the one way to let Stanford in, regrettably.

I was just assuming, if ND wanted to "bring" a buddy into the Big Ten, it would be one of those teams it currently considers a "rival" that it plays every year. USC is already in the Big Ten. I don't see Navy joining the Big Ten anytime soon. So that's why I whittled it down to Stanford. I can't imagine who else Notre Dame would want to bring in as a buddy.

 

[katatonic2]

At one point, the BCS needed Notre Dame to help viewership when they had only the 2 top teams and then the 4 top teams play. That is because they could schedule ND in one of the BCS six games and get viewership. But last year proved that the CFP did not need the Irish for people to watch. I think there will be a lot of rethinking by ND on playing a conference schedule. But then again, it is ND and they will stubbornly keep their independence.

Remember, ND did play in the 2020 ACC conference game because they played a full set of ACC games during that Covid year. If they make a deal to play 9 ACC games but retain their TV rights, I’m sure the ACC would go for it. Because at some point, the SEC and B1G will question why are they giving ND any special privileges and start treating them more like a G6 team.

The B12's Yormark rightly blasted the Domers for being ungrateful to the ACC, which saved their bacon during the pandemic season, where they got to play for the conference championship (they ended up getting rolled by Clemson).

Notre Dame schedule next year. One of the weakest of all time?

2025 Opponent Record: 64-79

vs Wisconsin (4-8)
vs Rice (5-7)
vs Michigan State (4-8)
at Purdue (2-10)
at UNC (4-8)
vs Navy (9-2)
vs Miami (10-2)
vs Boston College (2-10)
vs SMU (8-4)
at Syracuse (3-9)
vs Stanford (4-8)
vs USC (9-3)

And they automatically get in the playoff if they’re ranked 12 or higher?

Makes the claim that the Domers had one of the "best" ever 10 game win streak in CFB history laughable; wasn't even the top 2 this season. Lol


It's being reported that there is growing sentiment among ADs to freeze out the Domers when it comes to scheduling due to this ridiculous special treatment, but when it comes down to it, highly doubt too many ADs would turn down the $.

However, there is some hope that the power programs may do so (which is what the Domers need when it comes to SoS, etc metrics) as they don't need the $ and already have enough tough opponents.

I'm speaking in general. I don't feel like ND would overly care about Stanford, but that would be the one way to let Stanford in, regrettably.

According to some (reportedly in the know), if certain things hadn't broken the Domers way, they were in discussions with the B1G and the partner they wanted to bring with them was Stanford.

 

[PGPin3L]

I'd consider giving Notre Dame a sweetheart deal in that if they wanted to bring a second school with them that we otherwise wouldn't be interested in I'd consider it at the right share. But that's it.

FOX has made it abundantly clear that there are already enough teams in the Big Ten that nobody wants to watch (unless they are playing Ohio State) and that, with exceptions (and I think the list is basically down to ND, FSU and Miami), expansion is going to mean fewer, not more, dollars in the pockets of teams that are currently incapable of balancing a budget. That, alone should make Rutgers, Maryland, Minnesota, UCLA, Purdue, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois and Northwestern “No” votes on revenue negative expansion.

Washington and Oregon were not slam dunk TV additions. Their biggest value was opening up the evening and late night TV windows.

There’s a reason why FOX didn’t release ratings information for all but 4 or 5 games on BTN and FS1 this season. They were embarrassingly bad.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

FOX has made it abundantly clear that there are already enough teams in the Big Ten that nobody wants to watch (unless they are playing Ohio State) and that, with exceptions (and I think the list is basically down to ND, FSU and Miami), expansion is going to mean fewer, not more, dollars in the pockets of teams that are currently incapable of balancing a budget. That, alone should make Rutgers, Maryland, Minnesota, UCLA, Purdue, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois and Northwestern “No” votes on revenue negative expansion.

Washington and Oregon were not slam dunk TV additions. Their biggest value was opening up the evening and late night TV windows.

There’s a reason why FOX didn’t release ratings information for all but 4 or 5 games on BTN and FS1 this season. They were embarrassingly bad.

I think ND adds enough that you could bring in another team, including somebody like Stanford on a partial share, that it's still net positive.

I hate Stanford and want to see them die alone in the non-P2 desert so I'm not saying I WANT that, I'm just saying ND is an exceptionally special case and you're willing to do things for them to get the deal done you wouldn't do for anybody else.

 

[Curdog7]

FOX has made it abundantly clear that there are already enough teams in the Big Ten that nobody wants to watch (unless they are playing Ohio State) and that, with exceptions (and I think the list is basically down to ND, FSU and Miami), expansion is going to mean fewer, not more, dollars in the pockets of teams that are currently incapable of balancing a budget. That, alone should make Rutgers, Maryland, Minnesota, UCLA, Purdue, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois and Northwestern “No” votes on revenue negative expansion.

Washington and Oregon were not slam dunk TV additions. Their biggest value was opening up the evening and late night TV windows.

There’s a reason why FOX didn’t release ratings information for all but 4 or 5 games on BTN and FS1 this season. They were embarrassingly bad.

Disagree on Oregon and Washington. They are earning half share and won’t get a full share until the new TV deal so Big got them cheap. Oregon will be a perennial power as long as NIL exists and Washington is a very solid program. It was adding Maryland and Rutgers that is questionable, although they are excellent schools and NJ and MD export lots of qualified high school graduates (adding them makes those graduates more likely
To go to Big schools)

 

[katatonic2]

According to the scuttlebutt, Fox had OK'd Stanford being the partner if the Domers decided to join.

More upset than Fox are CBS and NBC who get 2nd and 3rd dibs and so usually miss out on having any games with 4 million viewers (that's when advertising rates jump up significantly).

While the B1G had among 3 of the highest viewed games thus far this season, the SEC absolutely dominated viewership - having as many as 3, even 4 games hit that mark whereas the B1G would be lucky to get one.

While Oregon has been a top 10 program for a good no of years, viewership for their games haven't exactly reflected that yet.

It's going to take a few more national championships and more programs being in the mix annually for the playoffs before the B1G starts to bridge that gap with the SEC.

Otherwise, the B1G may see networks not willing to pony up more $ and maybe actually offering less the next time around.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Disagree on Oregon and Washington. They are earning half share and won’t get a full share until the new TV deal so Big got them cheap. Oregon will be a perennial power as long as NIL exists and Washington is a very solid program. It was adding Maryland and Rutgers that is questionable, although they are excellent schools and NJ and MD export lots of qualified high school graduates (adding them makes those graduates more likely
To go to Big schools)

Washington is also in a massive metro, it was a great add.