TerryD, if Notre Dame joined the SEC that includes FT fb, I would enthusiastically applaud that. Even if the SEC accepted ND with an extended assimilation for FT fb over an eight to ten year period for example, I’d like that. Have a firm full transition date.

I am not anti-Notre Dame as an institution, and I deem their athletics programs are due ongoing respect for their achievements as new developments emerge in the realignment spectrum.

I am not a fan of special, hybrid-type deals or partial member associations whereby the school sponsors the sport. I’m not fond of hosts bargaining on these situations with expectations in outcomes beyond what is contracted on paper. Notre Dame is quite clever in negotiating their conference deals and assuring their representation at the big table.

If Notre Dame fears joining the BIG and being engulfed as another midwest participant, and perhaps less distinguished among prominent neighbors, there is an elite option that escapes such stigma. That is the SEC.

New AAU members:
University of South Florida
Notre Dame
Arizona State
Miami
University of California - Riverside
George Washington

Of note is Notre Dame who is a huge B1G expansion target (although AAU membership is not required), Miami AND Arizona State. Miami is probably B1G bound regardless one’s they get out of the ACC GOR. ASU becomes the wild card now if the B1G expands with four out west; I can see Washington, Oregon, Stanford and Arizona State joining the B1G leaving theB12 getting Colorado, Arizona, Utah and UConn(heavy rumors as of late).