definitely, the scheduling aspect makes the most sense
I think it's revealing what is *not* said. His stated rationale about expansion to 24 is pretty thin, as you say, but the real reason just has to be that he sees the benefits of 1) more flexible scheduling options going forward which ensures 2) continued independence for ND. Whether all that flexibility will actually materialize is an open question, although you have to think that with an additional 2 or 3 mulligans available without risking a playoff berth, most programs would love to welcome a Notre Dame series and its big fat payday.
Complete thread:
- Rakes (our CW) has a good rundown on PB's playoff comments -
Jay,
2026-05-18, 06:55
- any of those theories seem plausible to you + -
CW (Rakes),
2026-05-18, 12:48
- I am far from convinced on the schedule flexibility point -
beattherush,
2026-05-19, 08:54
- "Why stick your neck out playing ND?" -
Jay,
2026-05-19, 09:24
- I wonder -
Jeremy (WeIsND),
2026-05-19, 09:51
- it's significant - Jay, 2026-05-19, 10:02
- I wonder -
Jeremy (WeIsND),
2026-05-19, 09:51
- Why? Because there will be a ton of shitty 8-4 teams - KGB, 2026-05-19, 09:00
- "Why stick your neck out playing ND?" -
Jay,
2026-05-19, 09:24
- definitely, the scheduling aspect makes the most sense - Jay, 2026-05-18, 13:11
- I am far from convinced on the schedule flexibility point -
beattherush,
2026-05-19, 08:54
- any of those theories seem plausible to you + -
CW (Rakes),
2026-05-18, 12:48