2025 College Football Thread: Lane Kiffin suddenly feels compelled to read morals clause of contract (15 Viewers)

[bigbottom]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

How?

12 playoff spots.
Agreement is if they are top 12, they are in.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

 

[Chadstroma]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

How?

12 playoff spots.
Agreement is if they are top 12, they are in.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

 

[Jayded]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

 

[Chadstroma]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

Or we can all hope for a better world where the conferences are blown up and we start from scratch.

 

[culdeus]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

How?

12 playoff spots.
Agreement is if they are top 12, they are in.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Just from the people I've talked to in prior couple days there is a huge disconnect in the understanding people have vs prior BCS that did put in the top 4. That a barely top 25 team makes it (and two of them) is part of the confusion.

 

[Sammy3469]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

Committee should just rank them #13 next year

The power brokers got what they wanted this year. They're going to do the same thing next year as well. Maybe they'll want a 2 loss ND team next year, but maybe they won't. The "best" is totally subjective at that point.

ND folks have to realize there a whole cadre of folks who decided they think the college product is better with 4 viable conferences and that the there isn't much downside in not including an independent ND over Miami.

 

[General Malaise]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

How?

12 playoff spots.
Agreement is if they are top 12, they are in.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Was Boise State the 12th best team in 2024? I can't remember where they were ranked but taking the 12 best teams means ommitting the G5 teams, right?

 

[Jayded]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

Or we can all hope for a better world where the conferences are blown up and we start from scratch.

Won’t happen. The consolidation of power that the universities afforded the SEC and BigTen really handed over control. It’s just a matter of time, for football, that they just run the whole thing and even tell the NCAA to go take a hike.

ND has a chance right now to step forward and try to drive the conversation to the inevitable. Independence is important to me too, but they cannot just “sit back and watch the landscape” as Swarbrick used to say. Be a friggin leader instead of a feckless whiner ND and help craft something to fix this sport.

 

[General Malaise]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

Committee should just rank them #13 next year

The power brokers got what they wanted this year. They're going to do the same thing next year as well. Maybe they'll want a 2 loss ND team next year, but maybe they won't. The "best" is totally subjective at that point.

ND folks have to realize there a whole cadre of folks who decided they think the college product is better with 4 viable conferences and that the there isn't much downside in not including an independent ND over Miami.

Well, the world is missing out on a bYu v Notre Dame game, which I probably would have watched on mute in the corner of a bar with a lopsided wager on ND crushing the canned goods and boxed Mac n cheese out of the Cougs.

 

[Chadstroma]

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Just from the people I've talked to in prior couple days there is a huge disconnect in the understanding people have vs prior BCS that did put in the top 4. That a barely top 25 team makes it (and two of them) is part of the confusion.

I don't think it is a stretch that everyone thinks the fact that we have Tulane and JMU in the playoffs is an absolute travesty but it is what we have because they keep trying to make adjustments to a broken system and call it a day.

If I was a conspiracy theorist, I would propose that the SEC and B1G are trying to get everyone to focus on ND and 'hypocrisy' and 'join a conference' and whatever else so that they can continue to hold on to this ridiculous conference system as is. Blow it up. All of it. Send SEC, B1G, Big 12, ACC, PAC12.... all of it to the history books. Put together the 80-120ish schools and divide them into regions. West, East, South and North. Schools core schedule is within their region. Maintain important matchups that don't line up regionally. Have regional playoffs that funnel into National Playoffs. Adjust a little bit for other sports (important basketball programs that don't have football programs for example) and make it easier for all non-football sports. Have a central scheduling that gets the most revenue out of the scheduling and not cannibalizing viewership with premier matchups being against other premier matchups. I would happily see ND join in that. I don't see why ND needs to join a broken conference system just because.... why? Everyone else does? And do so even if it doesn't benefit ND. Why? Because 'not fair'?

 

[bigbottom]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

How?

12 playoff spots.
Agreement is if they are top 12, they are in.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

 

[General Malaise]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

Or we can all hope for a better world where the conferences are blown up and we start from scratch.

Won’t happen. The consolidation of power that the universities afforded the SEC and BigTen really handed over control. It’s just a matter of time, for football, that they just run the whole thing and even tell the NCAA to go take a hike.

ND has a chance right now to step forward and try to drive the conversation to the inevitable. Independence is important to me too, but they cannot just “sit back and watch the landscape” as Swarbrick used to say. Be a friggin leader instead of a feckless whiner ND and help craft something to fix this sport.

Mad props for using the word "feckless". Love that one.

 

[Chadstroma]

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

 

[DJackson10]

Notre Dame acting like entitled cry babies? Shocking I tell ya. Been saying for yrs ND needs to join a conference and should be punished in ranking every year they aren’t. This is up to par on their behavior when they don’t get their way.

See my response to big bottom and tell me.... how does dropping two B1G teams and adding two more ACC games make a difference to you?

You get a conference title game. Win your conference title and you have more of an arguement but Nd notoriously balks because that just gives them a chance to lose.

 

[Chadstroma]

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Was Boise State the 12th best team in 2024? I can't remember where they were ranked but taking the 12 best teams means ommitting the G5 teams, right?

I think Boise St might have been in the top 12 actually. Whether they were top 12 or top 15 (I am extremely confident they were at least top 15), I think Boise St is what was intended when they carved out a G5 spot in the playoffs. I think Tulane and JMU with the ACC pooing the bed showed a flaw that they were not prepared for or thought would happen. After all, the ACC's fall has been abrupt and significant along with it's stumbling of not even being able to put it's best team in it's championship game. Again, I think we can never have a decent systetm if we hold on to these conferences, if there is anything that is the core issue for this broken system, it IS the conferences.

 

[Chadstroma]

Notre Dame acting like entitled cry babies? Shocking I tell ya. Been saying for yrs ND needs to join a conference and should be punished in ranking every year they aren’t. This is up to par on their behavior when they don’t get their way.

See my response to big bottom and tell me.... how does dropping two B1G teams and adding two more ACC games make a difference to you?

You get a conference title game. Win your conference title and you have more of an arguement but Nd notoriously balks because that just gives them a chance to lose.

Yea..... that isn't close to the reason why ND doesn't join a conference. And per the committee.... losing the conference championship isn't held against you so even if you were right (which you are not) then it would be dumb for ND to fear something that couldn't count against them.

 

[bigbottom]

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

 

[DJackson10]

https://thespun.com/college-football/notre-dames-2026-football-schedule-is-embarrassing

Now look me in the eye and say that joining the ACC and adding 2 more ACC games would make their SOS better without laughing.

Our five contractual ACC games plus one: UNC, Miami, BC, SMU, Syracuse, and Stanford. 4 B1G teams Wisconsin, Michigan St, Purdue, and USC. Rice (AAC, better than a FCS team) and Navy which has been a respectable team the last couple of years but that game will never go away no matter what ND does as independent or conference or what.

So.... it is an ACC and B1G schedule but "join a conference!" uh... ok. Who is going to tell me that if ND dropped two B1G games in this schedule and added two more ACC games that the whiners/haters would be silent about the schedule?

But in NIL and portal era, it is pretty early to make statements like 'embarrassing' schedule and kind of hints towards a bias in writing the article. And that is important point on top of the fact that these teams can change quickly, there is no way to know that a team like Wisconsin which usually fields a strong team is going to suck a few years down the road when these things are scheduled let alone next year when you have transfer portals that can gut or build a team over night.

We have been scheduling some home and home series and targeting SEC teams like Texas and Auburn (hopefully they get stronger come time to play them).

That schedule is embarrassing. Full stop. ND needs to join the Big 10. Make it happen.

Some of the big 10 schedules are embarrassingly bad as well.

I said the last few yrs of JoePA at PSU all he did was pad stats against cupcakes and the last 5-8 yrs he was essentially a glorified mascot and the assistant HC was literally doing day to day coaching stuff. Ohio state year they made the title game where Florida boat raced them out of the building, their schedule was putrid. Highest rank defense they faced all year I think was MSU or Michigan which was 35th or something. I remember it was a very soft schedule. USC also played joke schedules back then too.

 

[Chadstroma]

From the ND AD on Barstool.... paraphrasing what he said....

Freeman rely heavily on the captains of the team. He talked to them and the unanimous agreement among the captains was not to play and the Freeman and leadership of the school followed suit.

So, that confirms it for me. This was a decision lead by the kids on the team.

 

[Chadstroma]

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

So you are not aware of the MOU signed?

MSN

 

[bigbottom]

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

So you are not aware of the MOU signed?

MSN

*Sigh*

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Much like the 69th best team in the NCAA BB tourney complaining they didn't get in, we now have a discussion about the 10-15 best FB teams being in/out. Both are meaningless. There are better teams than ALA, MIA, ND, and obvi JMU and Tulane. If you can't decisively be in the top 12, you don't have a leg to stand on. Play a better schedule, win more games, whatever. ESPN is getting exactly what they want. Chatter about the CFP.

 

[FairWarning]

The playoff should be ashamed of burying the JMU and Tulane games on TNT and HBO Max. The whole point of inviting Cinderella to the dance is not to bury her, but exposure for these teams

The whole point of the playoff is money. Those teams will be bringing less to the table.

So the myth of ND getting selected because of money is just that, a myth.

 

[DJackson10]

McAfee is now also saying that the captains went leadership and said the team doesn't want to play a bowl game citing "source-es" so now I am hearing it in other areas.

So per usual we didn’t get our way and taking our ball and going home.

The main problem people have with ND is the elitist we must get our way attitude they had for yrs. They’ve been told repeatedly they wouldn’t have these problems had they joined a conference yrs ago like they were told. Unfortunately with the current landscape of the college football it might be too late. So now ND is stuck in a jam.

People hate NDs constant play victim when things don’t go their way attitude. The ND AD complaining how the ACC singled them out, yet the school that gets singled out repeatedly with special TV/financial/CFP access deals doesn’t like being singled out repeatedly? It’s just hypocritical at this point and people are sick of the complaining, elitist attitude special treatment we’re gonna pull the victim card when we don’t get our way.

ND dug themselves this hole. They should take responsibility for it but really aren’t. There’s a reason ND isn’t getting sympathy here and they need to look in the mirror on this.

 

[FairWarning]

Much like the 69th best team in the NCAA BB tourney complaining they didn't get in, we now have a discussion about the 10-15 best FB teams being in/out. Both are meaningless. There are better teams than ALA, MIA, ND, and obvi JMU and Tulane. If you can't decisively be in the top 12, you don't have a leg to stand on. Play a better schedule, win more games, whatever. ESPN is getting exactly what they want. Chatter about the CFP.

What is meaningless is the weekly polls and the weekly ESPN playoff show that had ND in the playoffs every single week. It shows their experts know asmuch as Joe Fan.

 

[Chadstroma]

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

So you are not aware of the MOU signed?

MSN

*Sigh*

Sorry, I truly don't understand what you are saying.

This MOU starts next year. You are talking about this year and asking why they didn't make it at 11. I am not following your point.

 

[FairWarning]

McAfee is now also saying that the captains went leadership and said the team doesn't want to play a bowl game citing "source-es" so now I am hearing it in other areas.

So per usual we didn’t get our way and taking our ball and going home.

The main problem people have with ND is the elitist we must get our way attitude they had for yrs. They’ve been told repeatedly they wouldn’t have these problems had they joined a conference yrs ago like they were told. Unfortunately with the current landscape of the college football it might be too late. So now ND is stuck in a jam.

People hate NDs constant play victim when things don’t go their way attitude. The ND AD complaining how the ACC singled them out, yet the school that gets singled out repeatedly with special TV/financial/CFP access deals doesn’t like being singled out repeatedly? It’s just hypocritical at this point and people are sick of the complaining, elitist attitude special treatment we’re gonna pull the victim card when we don’t get our way.

ND dug themselves this hole. They should take responsibility for it but really aren’t. There’s a reason ND isn’t getting sympathy here and they need to look in the mirror on this.

ND was also told they would be in the playoff if they were ranked in the top 12 at the end of the regular season.

 

[bigbottom]

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

So you are not aware of the MOU signed?

MSN

*Sigh*

Sorry, I truly don't understand what you are saying.

This MOU starts next year. You are talking about this year and asking why they didn't make it at 11. I am not following your point.

I will restate my point to which you responded and add some additional bracketed language for clarity:

“Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs [this year] when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit [for the next six years] that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.”

Does that help? Notre Dame and their fans are whining that they were treated unfairly to their detriment by Miami jumping them in the final ranking, while expressly negotiating for special treatment that mandates a system whereby other higher ranked teams will be bumped to benefit Notre Dame. I think that makes Notre Dame giant hypocrites.

 

[Chadstroma]

McAfee is now also saying that the captains went leadership and said the team doesn't want to play a bowl game citing "source-es" so now I am hearing it in other areas.

So per usual we didn’t get our way and taking our ball and going home.

The main problem people have with ND is the elitist we must get our way attitude they had for yrs. They’ve been told repeatedly they wouldn’t have these problems had they joined a conference yrs ago like they were told. Unfortunately with the current landscape of the college football it might be too late. So now ND is stuck in a jam.

People hate NDs constant play victim when things don’t go their way attitude. The ND AD complaining how the ACC singled them out, yet the school that gets singled out repeatedly with special TV/financial/CFP access deals doesn’t like being singled out repeatedly? It’s just hypocritical at this point and people are sick of the complaining, elitist attitude special treatment we’re gonna pull the victim card when we don’t get our way.

ND dug themselves this hole. They should take responsibility for it but really aren’t. There’s a reason ND isn’t getting sympathy here and they need to look in the mirror on this.

Per usual? Ok. Sure.

Been told repeatedly.... by who? You? Why is ND going to listen to you and those like you in other fanbases that say this? All I hear is "join us in a broken system that everyone knows sucks rear end", yea, no thanks. Not when we can be independent.

Who is playing victim? We are stating whatever everyone says is correct- the system is broken. But just because we say it, those who even believe it say ND is playing the victim. Ok. Sure.

And this hole is what exactly? The same hole Miami was looking at being in a conference?

I sure as heck am not asking for sympathy. I don't think Jayded is at any point either.

I wonder if you are projecting what you want to believe about ND (and fans?) into this conversation.

 

[Chadstroma]

I will restate my point to which you responded and add some additional bracketed language for clarity:

“Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs [this year] when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit [for the next six years] that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.”

Does that help? Notre Dame and their fans are whining that they were treated unfairly to their detriment by Miami jumping them in the final ranking, while expressly negotiating for special treatment that mandates a system whereby other higher ranked teams will be bumped to benefit Notre Dame. I think that makes Notre Dame giant hypocrites.

Not sure how it is hypocritical. All other schools have their conferences to advocates for their benefit. ND doesn't. It advocates for it's own benefit. The system is broken and ND is pushing for it's own interest in a broken system. If you are worried about a #11 being booted out then we should probably fix the fact that it isn't just the top 12 teams to begin with and not cry that ND has negotiated something all the conferences should have negotiated for it's schools. And yet another reason why joining a conference doesn't make sense for ND since we can negotiate for our well being better than the conferences can for their schools.

 

[Sammy3469]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

Or we can all hope for a better world where the conferences are blown up and we start from scratch.

You keep saying this, but the SEC and Big 10 teams seem to think differently.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

It's almost like ESPN gets to choose which teams it wants

This isn't hard. ESPN wants to keep the ACC happy since the ACC is a non-zero percentage of their streaming time and revenue. That's worth more to ESPN than any marginal ratings gain ND provides. ND can keep their head in the sand, but they are now last in the pecking order of importance within the CFP setup. This time the reason was H2H; next year it may be something else (maybe there's 2 ACC teams in the Top 5 and the SEC wants a 5th team, so they pepper a bunch of 2-loss SEC teams at 10,11, and 12). Having that extra 10 million is all well and good, but the only three entities that matter right now are the SEC, the Big 10, and ESPN and ND doesn't have a real meaningful relationship with any of them.

 

[bigbottom]

I will restate my point to which you responded and add some additional bracketed language for clarity:

“Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs [this year] when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit [for the next six years] that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.”

Does that help? Notre Dame and their fans are whining that they were treated unfairly to their detriment by Miami jumping them in the final ranking, while expressly negotiating for special treatment that mandates a system whereby other higher ranked teams will be bumped to benefit Notre Dame. I think that makes Notre Dame giant hypocrites.

Not sure how it is hypocritical. All other schools have their conferences to advocates for their benefit. ND doesn't. It advocates for it's own benefit. The system is broken and ND is pushing for it's own interest in a broken system. If you are worried about a #11 being booted out then we should probably fix the fact that it isn't just the top 12 teams to begin with and not cry that ND has negotiated something all the conferences should have negotiated for it's schools. And yet another reason why joining a conference doesn't make sense for ND since we can negotiate for our well being better than the conferences can for their schools.

Ugh. If you can’t see the hypocrisy, you never will.

 

[bigbottom]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

Or we can all hope for a better world where the conferences are blown up and we start from scratch.

You keep saying this, but the SEC and Big 10 teams seem to think differently.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

It's almost like ESPN gets to choose which teams it wants

This isn't hard. ESPN wants to keep the ACC happy since the ACC is a non-zero percentage of their streaming time and revenue. That's worth more to ESPN than any marginal ratings gain ND provides. ND can keep their head in the sand, but they are now last in the pecking order of importance within the CFP setup. This time the reason was H2H; next year it may be something else (maybe there's 2 ACC teams in the Top 5 and the SEC wants a 5th team, so they pepper a bunch of 2-loss SEC teams at 10,11, and 12). Having that extra 10 million is all well and good, but the only three entities that matter right now are the SEC, the Big 10, and ESPN and ND doesn't have a real meaningful relationship with any of them.

I have to disagree with this. If next year Notre Dame ends up ranked #12 and only the top 10 ranked teams get in because of the G5 champions (like this year), the #10 team will be automatically bumped for #12 ND because they negotiated a sweetheart deal for themselves. So it’s hard for me to say they aren’t relevant. Of course they are relevant.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

Or we can all hope for a better world where the conferences are blown up and we start from scratch.

You keep saying this, but the SEC and Big 10 teams seem to think differently.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

It's almost like ESPN gets to choose which teams it wants

This isn't hard. ESPN wants to keep the ACC happy since the ACC is a non-zero percentage of their streaming time and revenue. That's worth more to ESPN than any marginal ratings gain ND provides. ND can keep their head in the sand, but they are now last in the pecking order of importance within the CFP setup. This time the reason was H2H; next year it may be something else (maybe there's 2 ACC teams in the Top 5 and the SEC wants a 5th team, so they pepper a bunch of 2-loss SEC teams at 10,11, and 12). Having that extra 10 million is all well and good, but the only three entities that matter right now are the SEC, the Big 10, and ESPN and ND doesn't have a real meaningful relationship with any of them.

I have to disagree with this. If next year Notre Dame ends up ranked #12 and only the top 10 ranked teams get in because of the G5 champions (like this year), the #10 team will be automatically bumped for #12 ND because they negotiated a sweetheart deal for themselves. So it’s hard for me to say they aren’t relevant. Of course they are relevant.

There would be a lawsuit before the TV show announcing teams is over. The committee can easily avoid this and do the funniest thing ever and just make ND #13.

 

[Sammy3469]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

Or we can all hope for a better world where the conferences are blown up and we start from scratch.

You keep saying this, but the SEC and Big 10 teams seem to think differently.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

It's almost like ESPN gets to choose which teams it wants

This isn't hard. ESPN wants to keep the ACC happy since the ACC is a non-zero percentage of their streaming time and revenue. That's worth more to ESPN than any marginal ratings gain ND provides. ND can keep their head in the sand, but they are now last in the pecking order of importance within the CFP setup. This time the reason was H2H; next year it may be something else (maybe there's 2 ACC teams in the Top 5 and the SEC wants a 5th team, so they pepper a bunch of 2-loss SEC teams at 10,11, and 12). Having that extra 10 million is all well and good, but the only three entities that matter right now are the SEC, the Big 10, and ESPN and ND doesn't have a real meaningful relationship with any of them.

I have to disagree with this. If next year Notre Dame ends up ranked #12 and only the top 10 ranked teams get in because of the G5 champions (like this year), the #10 team will be automatically bumped for #12 ND because they negotiated a sweetheart deal for themselves. So it’s hard for me to say they aren’t relevant. Of course they are relevant.

I would just say, if ESPN, the SEC, or the Big 10 wants something and there's a "rational" argument for doing so at the expense of ND, they'll do it again. It's not that the CFP will screw ND, it's that they have no incentive to do anything for them especially if there are other interests at play.

 

[bolzano]

Much like the 69th best team in the NCAA BB tourney complaining they didn't get in, we now have a discussion about the 10-15 best FB teams being in/out. Both are meaningless. There are better teams than ALA, MIA, ND, and obvi JMU and Tulane. If you can't decisively be in the top 12, you don't have a leg to stand on. Play a better schedule, win more games, whatever. ESPN is getting exactly what they want. Chatter about the CFP.

The difference between Indiana/ OSU and Notre Dame in football is way smaller than, say, Duke and the bubble teams in basketball. Indeed, one of the reasons why even non-ND fans are upset about what happened is because they thought ND was a legit natty contender.

 

[General Malaise]

We need a new thread devoted to actual football being played in the 2025 playoffs. Or carve out a new thread to discuss Notre Dame and Notre Dame only. This is ridiculous now. Other teams deserve key strokes and discussion in here. They've made the dance. Move on.

 

[Chadstroma]

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports. I would tell you, Dan, I wouldn't be honest with you if I didn't say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame.” - Pete Bevacqua on the Dan Patrick Show

Sure seems like the relationship has run its course and both are ready to be done. Can either side terminate the agreement?

Yes. Apparently the buyout is in the $50M this far out from the deal expiration (29 or 30 I believe).

I know, I know….again, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve alliuded all week to the ACC’s behavior and ire. If they try to leave early and sue for damages, it could get fun.

Just as a fan, imagine if they pulled discovery on the whole process. Could get ugly, but I think ND won’t throw that grenade. I think it’s far more likely something happens with the BE/B1G and there’s a quiet cash out and silent grumbling of awkward handshakes with parting of ways.

Or we can all hope for a better world where the conferences are blown up and we start from scratch.

You keep saying this, but the SEC and Big 10 teams seem to think differently.

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

Here you go: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2025/11/24/future-format-update.aspx

The 12 teams in the playoffs are not selected by choosing the top 12 ranked teams. That’s why no. 11 ND did not make the playoffs. I know you know this.

It's almost like ESPN gets to choose which teams it wants

This isn't hard. ESPN wants to keep the ACC happy since the ACC is a non-zero percentage of their streaming time and revenue. That's worth more to ESPN than any marginal ratings gain ND provides. ND can keep their head in the sand, but they are now last in the pecking order of importance within the CFP setup. This time the reason was H2H; next year it may be something else (maybe there's 2 ACC teams in the Top 5 and the SEC wants a 5th team, so they pepper a bunch of 2-loss SEC teams at 10,11, and 12). Having that extra 10 million is all well and good, but the only three entities that matter right now are the SEC, the Big 10, and ESPN and ND doesn't have a real meaningful relationship with any of them.

2 ACC teams in top 5.

Dude warm me next time... sometimes I am drinking something when reading.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

Some unrelated thoughts:

1. Whatever legitimate gripe Notre Dame might have had got destroyed when they opted not to play in a bowl game. Such whiners. And it’s really unfair to the team as well. Go away Notre Dame.

2. Rooting big time for James Madison. They’ll probably get crushed but what the hell. Love to see them win especially now that UCLA hired their coach. Though I generally root against Oregon anyhow.

3. Last year when I was on Bourbon Street in New Orleans I noticed all the LSU flags everywhere. I was talking to a local at a bar and he told me it’s their number one team there, bigger than the Saints! I asked rather innocently “what about Tulane?” Tulane after all is actually IN New Orleans while LSU is in Baton Rouge. The guy just laughed. Now I have to wonder what he’s thinking with Tulane in the playoff and LSU having a so so season.

Unfair to the team if the team didn't want to play? How is that exactly? Would seem more unfair to me if the team didn't want to play and ND made them because they collect $3 million for doing so.

I meant unfair to the students playing on the team. I’d be surprised if they’re part of this decision or OK with it. I’m sure they would have liked to play another game and be in a bowl game. For a lot of players that’s a pretty big deal.

I have heard from two sources that it was either a decision made with the students or driven by the students. So... I guess you need to be surprised.

Well that’s disappointing. The players need that lecture from that dude in Rudy.

Actually let’s just remake Rudy and have him quit before the last game. What a bunch of whiny crybabies.

This is the best argument I’ve heard yet @timschochet ! We absolutely need to bring Rudy into this and Notre Dame needs to repent on their decision to not play or get rid of the “Play Like A Champion” sign!

 

[Jayded]

We need a new thread devoted to actual football being played in the 2025 playoffs. Or carve out a new thread to discuss Notre Dame and Notre Dame only. This is ridiculous now. Other teams deserve key strokes and discussion in here. They've made the dance. Move on.

Wreck ‘em Tech!

 

[Jayded]

Heisman finalists released : Love, Mendoza, Pavia, Sayin

Heisman Trophy: 2025 Finalists revealed ahead of award ceremony

.

www.on3.com

 

[bigbottom]

We need a new thread devoted to actual football being played in the 2025 playoffs. Or carve out a new thread to discuss Notre Dame and Notre Dame only. This is ridiculous now. Other teams deserve key strokes and discussion in here. They've made the dance. Move on.

I need a GM list of things we can’t talk about in a college football thread when no actual games are being played.

1) Recruiting
2) Notre Dame

 

[bigbottom]

Heisman finalists released : Love, Mendoza, Pavia, Sayin

Heisman Trophy: 2025 Finalists revealed ahead of award ceremony

.

www.on3.com

How can it not be Mendoza?

 

[Jayded]

Heisman finalists released : Love, Mendoza, Pavia, Sayin

Heisman Trophy: 2025 Finalists revealed ahead of award ceremony

.

www.on3.com

How can it not be Mendoza?

My guess in order : Mendoza, Pavia, Love, Sayin.

If it’s not Mendoza, Pavia probably steals all of the southern votes so maybe it’ll be closer than appears. Love is probably the best player, but foolish game plan vs Miami and injury vs Stanford likely did him in. Curious if whomever carries the west surprises and finishes higher than expected.

 

[whoknew]

Heisman finalists released : Love, Mendoza, Pavia, Sayin

Heisman Trophy: 2025 Finalists revealed ahead of award ceremony

.

www.on3.com

How can it not be Mendoza?

PAVIA!

(I don't think he will win, but I'd really like it if he does. And he had 826 yards rushing this year too).

 

[Instinctive]

Really? How did Notre Dame get bumped this year?

Starting next year.

So.... is the position for you guys that we don't want yhe top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?

Okay, you’re being deliberately obtuse. If you want to have a real discussion, feel free to say so and I’ll happily re-engage.

No, I am not. I must be missing what you are saying. Remember, HS drop out here.

He's saying you're missing the point intentionally, because ND can be 12th and bump the 11th or 10th team out. And that's fairly obviously NOT in line with you're comment "we don't want the top 12 teams in a 12 team playoff?"

And based on how much you post in here, it's hard to believe you don't comprehend that.

To say "let's just always take the top 12 regardless of who won what conference" is a totally different, albeit similar, point.

 

[GregR]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

As you aptly pointed out, ND got bumped by a lower rated team. (Edit: 2 of them actually). Every school in the field had the potential to bump a higher ranked top 12 team... except ND and U Conn. Every school in the field but them are competing for one of 8 playoff spots (with the other 4 going to other conferences), while ND had to compete for one of 7 playoff spots (with 5 going to conferences).

Doesn't seem that hypocritical to have negotiated to equal out a benefit that the rest of the field already had over you, does it?

 

[bigbottom]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

As you aptly pointed out, ND got bumped by a lower rated team. (Edit: 2 of them actually). Every school in the field had the potential to bump a higher ranked top 12 team... except ND and U Conn. Every school in the field but them are competing for one of 8 playoff spots (with the other 4 going to other conferences), while ND had to compete for one of 7 playoff spots (with 5 going to conferences).

Doesn't seem that hypocritical to have negotiated to equal out a benefit that the rest of the field already had over you, does it?

It’s an interesting way to frame it for sure. But the benefits aren’t remotely comparable. No other team has an absolute guarantee to be in the playoff if they finish at #11 or #12.

 

[GregR]

From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

As you aptly pointed out, ND got bumped by a lower rated team. (Edit: 2 of them actually). Every school in the field had the potential to bump a higher ranked top 12 team... except ND and U Conn. Every school in the field but them are competing for one of 8 playoff spots (with the other 4 going to other conferences), while ND had to compete for one of 7 playoff spots (with 5 going to conferences).

Doesn't seem that hypocritical to have negotiated to equal out a benefit that the rest of the field already had over you, does it?

It’s an interesting way to frame it for sure. But the benefits aren’t remotely comparable. No other team has an absolute guarantee to be in the playoff if they finish at #11 or #12.

Right, other teams aren't guaranteed to be in if they are top 12. Instead they are given a chance to be in even if they are NOT top 12. Even if they are ranked #20 or #24 or even below that, they still have a possibility to get in. Edit to add: And for the top conferences, guaranteed to get at least one team in, apart from tiebreaker self-inflicted wounds.

They are different sets of conditions, entirely, each with benefits and detriments the other side doesn't have.

 

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From what I heard Heather Dinich say on ESPN,

ND is protected for the next 6 years if they're ranked in the top-12 of a playoff spot as long as it remains a 12 team playoff. Also starting next season all P4 conf winners will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

With that kind of deal and with the income ND generates, there's no way they're joining any conference anytime soon. It also means the conf games are not going anywhere anytime soon even though many want to see them go. There's too much $$$ at stake here. I also have zero doubt each conference will look at and adjust their tie breakers, especially the ACC.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "we don't need help from anyone" shtick so annoying from that fanbase. Of course you don't. When you have exceptions like this who needs a conference? They will proudly stand on third thinking they hit a triple.

You are saying that like you are saying something.

Of course we don't need a conference. And the question to you is why does ND get this 'exception' and say UCONN does not? There is a big reason for it. I know you can come up with it on your own. You can do it... just have to force yourself to say it. Go on... it will not physically hurt you.

I can say it. Notre Dame has the influence and power to negotiate such an exclusive benefit. But I think it makes them giant hypocrites to be crying about being unfairly bumped from the playoffs when they have intentionally negotiated for a benefit that allows them to unfairly bump other more highly ranked teams from the playoffs.

As you aptly pointed out, ND got bumped by a lower rated team. (Edit: 2 of them actually). Every school in the field had the potential to bump a higher ranked top 12 team... except ND and U Conn. Every school in the field but them are competing for one of 8 playoff spots (with the other 4 going to other conferences), while ND had to compete for one of 7 playoff spots (with 5 going to conferences).

Doesn't seem that hypocritical to have negotiated to equal out a benefit that the rest of the field already had over you, does it?

It’s an interesting way to frame it for sure. But the benefits aren’t remotely comparable. No other team has an absolute guarantee to be in the playoff if they finish at #11 or #12.

Right, other teams aren't guaranteed to be in if they are top 12. Instead they are given a chance to be in even if they are NOT top 12. Even if they are ranked #20 or #24 or even below that, they still have a possibility to get in. Edit to add: And for the top conferences, guaranteed to get at least one team in, apart from tiebreaker self-inflicted wounds.

They are different sets of conditions, entirely, each with benefits and detriments the other side doesn't have.

I respect the hell out of your logic.