And since I have been reading a lot of Notre Dame boards lately, here are some further, more speculative thoughts on BE temporizing which may resonate with some of you.

The reason the football/bb hybrid thing was never resolved at this stage is probably also because Notre Dame was not willing to commit to either side, and just could not see itself in the same all-sports conference as Louisville and Cincinnati for its long-term future (and now with USF!--boy bet Notre Dame would love to be in an all-sports conference with them). Notre Dame just wants to temporize, stall, evaluate, delay, because its own internal hierarchical structure is inefficient, and its alumni/board of trustees power base takes lots of time to bring around. Internal hierarchy and faculty want Big10 relationships and academic future is with the Big10 for future private school success--the perfect partner for Northwestern.

But until that happens, NotreDame needs a sports home, and the only option left to them is the bb-side of the BE. It is in ND's interest to stroke this side and keep it functioning for their olympic sports and bb until such time as they have marshalled the political resources to finally make the move to the Big10, which is now even more likely than before the BC thing.

Just my $.02 worth...

8-)

Sounds like Lenny Robbins agrees with this thread's regulars that the BE FB and BB kids will end up in "splitsville" do to "irreconcilable differences". Any one need a divorce lawyer? ;DComments?

16 teams! Second largest behind only the NBA. The WAC tried 16 for a few years, and it was a failure, although the reasons had more to do with FB scheduling than anything else. Many great BB programs here, but can 16 be managed?

And 16 teams, wow, is that a lot to keep up with; the benevolent BE Presidents just might vote their Commissioner a huge salary increase recognizing all the realignment success and stability that has come their way since last spring ;D!