Image via WikipediaThis would be an interesting turn of events but not unpredictable because there has been a lot written on this subject during the past week.Neil Hayes; Chicago Sun Times --- The tectonic plates beneath the college football landscape may soon be shifting, which could increase the likelihood of Notre Dame joining the Big Ten in the future.So if Notre Dames decided to join the B1G that would mean that the Fighting Irish would join the B1G in all sports to include Division I hockey as well, meaning that the Fighting Irish would not be in the NCHC. I don't think it's as devastating to the NCHC as some hockey fans have predicted or hoped. Let's get real, the NCHC in it's current form is still more of an attractive option than the WCHA. One scenario I would like to see happen is, if Notre Dame ends up going to the B1G, I would hope the NCHC would extend an invitation to BGSU and WMU to join the NCHC. I would also caution the NCHC about offering an invitation to SCSU to join the NCHC.
Brian Kelly is aware that Big East Conference members Pittsburgh and Syracuse have submitted letters of application to the Atlantic Coach Conference, which could impact Notre Dame basketball and other sports. With other significant changes to major conferences expected, joining the Big Ten might make sense now than it did a decade ago, especially if Texas is involved.
Imagine a Big Ten “Western” division that includes Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, llinois and Northwestern and an “Eastern” sub-conference featuring Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue and Indiana. Such a scenario would maintain many of the Big Ten’s geographical rivalries as well as allowing Notre Dame to continue to play traditional foes such as USC and/or Navy.
“I know personally as the head coach, you’re always listening to what’s going on out there,” the Notre Dame coach said. “How it affects our day-to-day operation is none. It doesn’t affect what we do. Nothing is going to be decided during this season.
