Why ND Will Never Join the Big 10

The Big Ten conference released a statement today publicizing it's decision to explore adding a 12th team to the conference in the next 12 - 18 months.  Undoubtedly the most mentioned name on the list of possible additions will be the University of Notre Dame.  The Big Ten, which is currently made up of 11 teams (shouldn't it be called the "Big 11"... just a thought), has been unsuccessfully beckoning ND for years.

On the surface, it may appear to those outside of our "Irish Circle" that this proposed move would benefit all parties involved.  While the benefits of a conference affiliation are evident for most schools, Notre Dame has the ability to sustain its football program alone.

Irish Independence
A large contributor to the well-known story that began nearly a century ago in South Bend, Indiana is ND's ability to maintain a high standard for excellence on the field without the support of a conference affiliation.  Despite the mediocrity that has troubled Notre Dame for the past 15 years, the program is still held in high regard throughout college football.  Notre Dame has produced 11 National Championships and 7 Heisman Trophy winners.  Those accomplishments are the envy of many.  It cannot be argued that ND is one of, if not the most, prestigious programs in college football.  Notre Dame has zero motivation to sacrifice their elite image by joining a conference.

Many outsiders have spouted the uneducated argument that Notre Dame plays a "weak" schedule and they are afraid of the competiotion that conference play introduces.  (Here's where I prove that argument wrong)  It was widely publicized that ND played a "soft" schedule this year.  The talking heads on ESPN reminded us with each Notre Dame highlight (or lowlight) that ND has a "weak" schedule.  Consider this: Notre Dame finished the season with a Strength of Schedule ranking of 31 according to Jeff Sagarin.  Big 10 members Michigan and Michigan State finished with SOS rankings of 74 and 55 respectively.  You tell me who has the weak schedule.  Now tell me ND is scared of that "competition".  I rest my case.

ND is "Money" Baby
According to Forbes.com, in 2007 the Notre Dame Football program was worth 101 million dollars.  Unlike other schools, ND's independent status allowed them to contribute $21.1 million to academics.  Forbes noted "that's as much as the next five most valuable teams contributed to their respective schools combined."  The academics at Notre Dame are of utmost importance, and the football program contributes a large chunk of change to support the academics.  Why would they consider sharing that revenue?  ND's independent operations also allow them to pocket the entire $9 million dollar check they receive from their annual NBC TV contract.  Don't forget about bowl revenue; while other schools split their "cash reward", ND keeps it all.

Aside from the financial benefits of remaining independent of conference humiliation....err affiliation, Notre Dame Football enjoys being a nation-wide product.  The ND alumni network is vast, stretching from coast to coast... no to mention, wealthy.  They want to see those gold helmets every Saturday.  If ND was a member of the Big 10, or any other conference, their TV exposure would be greatly reduced.  Bear in mind that Notre Dame recruits nationally, making that contract priceless.  They are the only team in the country that can be seen in all 50 states on a consistent basis.  Even when the program is struggling, you can count on all ND home games being aired.  When you have high school athletes who's ultimate goal is to play in the NFL, that sort of exposure is very intriguing come decision time.  The talent pool that ND has to choose from is alreay limited due to the high academic requirements.  There are plenty of athletes out there for ND to reel in that can make the grade, but if ND joins a conference and loses that nation-wide TV deal the recruiting will suffer.

We Are ND
Ultimately, Notre Dame will not join a football conference until it is forced to.  They don't need it.  They are the #1 money team, they have a fast track to the BCS (when they qualify) and they have all of the exposure that they need.  The Big 10 is in the middle of am identity crisis.  The longstanding tradition of powerhouse football has faltered as of late.  Adding the most storied program in the land to their alliance would definitely raise their level of prestige.  The issue is, while the Big 10 certainly needs ND, the Fighting Irish don't need the Big 10. 

Disclaimer
The above statements may prove to be wrong id Notre Dame's hand is forced.  If the NBC deal is lost, the BCS requirements are changed, or if a playoff system is introduced, ND's stance may change.  A majority of the Irish faithful hope to never see that happen.

Go Irish!

Why ND Will Never Join the Big 10