Agree with 1 and 2. ND is going to sit back and see how all this unfolds and delay the decision.
On 3, the contract is going to open again with ESPN. The huge Big East membership change opens up the deal up. Contrary to what has been reported, ESPN has a right of first negotiation, not even refusal. It is the same in every one of their conference deals. The first place the New New Big East should go is ESPN anyway. Exposure for the conference would fall off the map if it goes elsewhere. Yes, NBC will be better with its renewed commitment to Versus (changing to NBC Sports Channel). But the fact is the New New Big East will need as much exposure as possible. If ESPN offers a good deal great, and if not, move on to NBC and Fox. In the mean time, the Big East can get a feel for what they would be worth to others. Lastly, it does no good for the Big East to poke ESPN anyway. What entity is probably going to buy the rights to the BCS games after the 2013 season? Probably ESPN. And that winning bidder is going to have a lot to say about the AQ.