Clarification on Big East Scheduling Commitment
by Jimmy 
, Chitown, Thursday, April 30, 2009, 10:31 (6236 days ago)
I implore the Polo Grounds to clear up uncertainty on the scheduling front, namely did Kevin White agree ti a contract by which ND must play 3 Big East teams every year for a given span? Or was the deal a soft commitment to try and work BE teams into our schedule when it allows or is convenient?
We're debating the current two open spots on the 2010 schedule over on WeIsND - http://weisnd.blogspot.com/2009/04/scheduling-tidbits.html - and I'm too lazy to try and find the answer myself. Really curious to see if Swarbrick ponies up and adds some meat (other than the soyburger that is Utah) to the 2010 dish.
Gracias and Shalom
there's no contract that I've ever heard of
The 3-game "commitment" sources back to this article in 2005.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_338723.html
Since then, the Big East scheduling has gone in fits (Rutgers falling out) and starts (U. Conn with an actual 10-year deal). There have also been articles talking about conversations with West Virginia and USF, although nothing solid has transpired.
At this point, with Dr. White no longer around, and with no hard and fast contracts in sight, I believe the 3-BE thing falls into the "nice to have" category, but I haven't heard Swarbrick even mention it.
so then there's no conceivable reason...
by Jimmy , Chitown, Thursday, April 30, 2009, 11:18 (6236 days ago) @ Jay
why a big name opponent shouldn't grace the schedule next year, unless the department truly believes the watered down version of barnstorming is the best (read: easiest way to ca$h in) thing for the program. If that's the case, then just give me the swine flu cuz I'll be sick.
thanks for the article Jay