gridironmike
November-13th-2003, 08:12 AM
In a way it would be nice, but in a way I wouldn't like it.
Posted 11/12/2003 10:50 PM Updated 11/12/2003 11:46 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2003-11-12-notre-dame-move_x.htm
Notre Dame football mulls conference alliance
By Steve Wieberg and Thomas O'Toole, USA TODAY
Notre Dame is inquiring about potential full membership with the Atlantic Coast Conference, a move that would end more than 100 years of independence for its storied football program and mark the most significant shift in a recent wave of league realignments.
It is too early to say whether the Irish will bring their football team into a conference. But should it take full membership, Notre Dame would bring a national following that has made it the sport's most visible program and instantly alter the college football landscape. The Irish are members of the Big East in most sports.
The school's overtures have taken place in the past few weeks — after recent conference realignments — and are considered a serious move toward joining a league for football, according to two officials within the ACC with knowledge of the moves. One official said the school also contacted the Big Ten.
Should Notre Dame join the ACC, the league's football image and recruiting base would skyrocket, particularly in light of the recent approval to add Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College.
Many Irish alumni want to stay independent in football out of respect for tradition and because it allows scheduling flexibility and a lucrative television contract with NBC.
But those officials in the ACC say the school is looking now because of uncertainty over its future position in the Bowl Championship Series, which determines who plays in the top college bowl games. They currently have a deal to be included with the six main conferences, which gives them easier access to one of the major bowls and a $14 million payday. But the BCS contract expires after the 2005 season.
Athletics director Kevin White, through spokesman John Heisler, said, "At present, we are staying the course with the Big East; however, we are continuing to monitor the landscape." When pressed, Heisler replied, "We are not going to address specific comments like that." But in late September the school was pointed in denials of media reports that suggested the Irish were looking to join a new conference.
ACC Commissioner John Swofford, whose league recently approved the three additions, wouldn't comment Wednesday on Notre Dame. But he confirmed, "We have received some informal inquiries about potential membership." He added he did not believe the league was ready to expand again.
"Our sentiment is not to pursue any potential new members as this time."
Big Ten officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The Irish turned down the Big Ten in 1999.
Contributing: Malcolm Moran
Posted 11/12/2003 10:50 PM Updated 11/12/2003 11:46 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2003-11-12-notre-dame-move_x.htm
Notre Dame football mulls conference alliance
By Steve Wieberg and Thomas O'Toole, USA TODAY
Notre Dame is inquiring about potential full membership with the Atlantic Coast Conference, a move that would end more than 100 years of independence for its storied football program and mark the most significant shift in a recent wave of league realignments.
It is too early to say whether the Irish will bring their football team into a conference. But should it take full membership, Notre Dame would bring a national following that has made it the sport's most visible program and instantly alter the college football landscape. The Irish are members of the Big East in most sports.
The school's overtures have taken place in the past few weeks — after recent conference realignments — and are considered a serious move toward joining a league for football, according to two officials within the ACC with knowledge of the moves. One official said the school also contacted the Big Ten.
Should Notre Dame join the ACC, the league's football image and recruiting base would skyrocket, particularly in light of the recent approval to add Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College.
Many Irish alumni want to stay independent in football out of respect for tradition and because it allows scheduling flexibility and a lucrative television contract with NBC.
But those officials in the ACC say the school is looking now because of uncertainty over its future position in the Bowl Championship Series, which determines who plays in the top college bowl games. They currently have a deal to be included with the six main conferences, which gives them easier access to one of the major bowls and a $14 million payday. But the BCS contract expires after the 2005 season.
Athletics director Kevin White, through spokesman John Heisler, said, "At present, we are staying the course with the Big East; however, we are continuing to monitor the landscape." When pressed, Heisler replied, "We are not going to address specific comments like that." But in late September the school was pointed in denials of media reports that suggested the Irish were looking to join a new conference.
ACC Commissioner John Swofford, whose league recently approved the three additions, wouldn't comment Wednesday on Notre Dame. But he confirmed, "We have received some informal inquiries about potential membership." He added he did not believe the league was ready to expand again.
"Our sentiment is not to pursue any potential new members as this time."
Big Ten officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The Irish turned down the Big Ten in 1999.
Contributing: Malcolm Moran