Logan Weeks

Notre Dame has been mentioned among the schools to join the Big Ten as a possible 12th team.

Although in the ESPN article athletic director Jeff Swarbrick said “Our strong preference is to remain the way we are,” Swarbrick said, according to the report. “Independence is a big part of the tradition of the program and our identity. We’d sure like to try to maintain it.”

According to the ESPN article, “Big Ten schools receive about $20 million a year in TV and radio rights fees, according to the report.” Even though Notre Dame makes only 9 million in their contract with NBC, other reasons stop Notre Dame from joining a conference.

Notre Dame has a tradition of great rivalries including USC, Boston College and Michigan. Although some of the teams they play are already in the Big Ten, it wouldn’t allow the Irish to wiggle around and play different teams every year.

Many Irish fans would like to see them stick with the usual set of teams they play from various conferences and have the ability to add different teams on to their schedule. Overall, a move to the Big Ten would not sit well with much of the Irish faithful.

Despite the Charlie Weis departure, outside linebacker Kendall Moore said he will still stick with Notre Dame.(article)

Rivals.com has Moore listed as a four-star recruit, while ESPN’s recruiting website has him listed as a three-star. Either way, the Irish cannot loose any more defensive commits, especially with all of these recruits wavering back and forth since the new head coach is up in the air. Moore said that he will open up his options again, but will still remain a commitment.

Notre Dame needs to sign a quality coach as soon as possible to ease these recruits who are thinking about possibly leaving if there is a glaring hole at the coaching spot for some time. So far, the Irish haven’t done too bad of a job keeping around their big dogs, besides Martin of course.

Stay tuned for more!

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