Notre Dame has stuck to its guns about staying independent in college football, and that choice is really paying off. In a big financial win, their decision to avoid the typical conference system is proving to be a smart move. The Fighting Irish are holding their own in the College Football Playoff (CFP) revenue game, so they’re not missing out as some might think. This financial boost helps them stay independent while still going head-to-head with conference teams. But with conferences continuing to expand, how long can they stay out of the mix?
The Irish’s independent status has often been the recurring theme of discussion each year in college football, with critics making their case for how they could do justice to themselves as well as to the conference by joining a conference. Their independence doesn’t work as a roadblock to their performance or growth overall. Under the new CFP revenue-sharing model, Notre Dame seems to receive a big payout. According to reports, the Fighting Irish will be allocated approximately $11 million annually from the CFP pool.
Is their status justified? The question can open the floodgates. But what we should dig into first instead is this. How long can they stick to their exceptional status? Well, the top 16 graph is already gaining steam after the top 12 playoff success. If it comes into play at some point, it will subsequently reduce the importance of the non-conference matchups in the playoff battle. But for Notre Dame, it can be a blessing in disguise.
“I feel like nothing’s changed. This is not the thing that makes them join a conference. Do we want to talk about the thing that’ll make them? It is the Super League. That’s it.,” Andy Staples of ON3 shed light on the relief of Marcus Freeman.
The eccentric logic? Well, in previous years, the conference teams quite hesitated to schedule the Irish. But if the 16-team model plays out, they will be free to include them in the schedule, for a loss won’t matter that much. But that’s not all. The inevitable inclusion can be a lemon in the milk. “If there’s a Super League, they’ve got to be part of it; that’s it. Yeah, it’s not really a conference possibility that the Super League will include them, even if they’re not in, or will they have to be in the Super League?” Andi added. “You’re going to have to be in the Super League.”
It seems like it’s a halfway protection for Freeman and Notre Dame. However, for the proposed 16-team playoff model, there are still plans up in the air with no groundwork. But as we lived the benefit of the top-12 expansion last year with more teams getting a window to go closer to their dream title run, it fascinates the world to crave more. After all, the restriction to reach the playoff battle does little to no good for the traditional sport.
From there, the idea of a non-stop expansion model stems. However, Freeman has a point to stick to his pride, the separate non-conference status, and it seems he will eventually get his way to do so.
Marcus Freeman fiercely defends the idea of the non-conference status of the Irish
Freeman has transformed a mediocre program like no other. Taking the team to a national title game appearance was huge in all senses. But what is the secret behind redemption? Of course, it’s Freeman’s wit, wisdom, and mighty leadership to spearhead things in the right direction.
However, according to AD Pete Bevacqua, the independent status boosted secure leadership at South Bend. Talents come to visit South Bend from all across the nation. Besides all the coaching staff, academics, culture, and other facilities, Freeman sells their independent status as a major appealing point to woo them like a lady swan.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“Yeah. We view it, I view it as a pro. We’ll continue to look at it that way until and unless something changes. We get to play coast to coast,” Freeman said. “You play multiple different times from multiple different conferences. You started off the season in College Station. You ended the season in LA, and we’re in New York twice.” Freeman believes sticking to a conference tends to be limiting in terms of exposure, especially when it comes to recruiting. For Notre Dame, going strong and solo is the key, and maybe, just maybe, the destiny, too.
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