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Your opinion. I think otherwise.
ND is excluded from the 4 team CFP format when they have one loss to an ACC/B1G/PAC school that did not play in their conference championship. ND would be passed over by a B1G Champ, the ACC Champ, the SEC Champ and the Pac12 champ, all with 1 loss because each of the champs had an extra game against a quality opponent. They may even be passed over by a 1 loss team that lost in a conference CG game. ND and its fan base will howl about how unfair it is. The rest of the country will shrug their shoulders and say go talk to Big 12 who got shut out because of no CG. It is the price of independence. Let it happen 2 or 3 times, and ND will suddenly want to be in some conference.
The way things are configured, ND will be at a disadvantage versus conferences with a CG. They will almost always be the outside of the top 4 unless they are undefeated. The 5 ACC games do nothing for them except fill out their P5 schedule easier. Without a chance to wipe out a loss in the ACC in a CG (in any conference, substitute a a loss to a B1G team if you want), they come up short.
And let's not forget that the P5's move to autonomy from the NCAA certainly weakens ND's voice in FB. I really don't think the ACC will do anything to enhance ND's chances when they are not a full member.
My guess, they go to the B1G in the next 5 years.
How often will this "Doomsday Playoff Scenario" play out with ND? Once or twice or so a decade?
Jack Swarbrick discussed this a couple of weeks ago, downplayed it, and said that it is just the price of doing business as an independent.
He mentioned increasing ND's SOS in the future with some big name schools to help address that.
"Heather Dinich
ESPN Staff Writer
Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick told me the Irish expect to announce "some remarkably challenging" games soon. As the Irish schedule independently in the era of the CFP, Swarbrick said, "That's our obligation in this system. Our 12 better compare with anybody's 13. That's the way we're approaching scheduling."
Does that sound like ND is making a panic move to abandon independence?
As far as the Big Ten potential move, you have to factor in:
1) GOR
2) Exit fee
3) ND/ACC "ND football can only join the ACC until 2027 contract" (confirmed yesterday by Brando/Swofford)
4) ND alumni, booster and donor intense pride in independence and disdain for the Big Ten. How much in donations will ND lose if it joins the Big Ten?