Jan 23, 2010 
I’m sure some of the things I’m going to say are going to make all you Fighting Irish fans mad enough that Rome will feel it. If you can somehow calm down and just read what I have to say, you might actually agree, and if you don’t – feel free to continue the temper tantrum. Which shouldn’t be hard since over the last few years, that is one thing you guys have consistently done well.
The 11-Team Big Ten. Wait, Make That 12?
It’s no big secret that the Big Ten conference is looking to expand (and soon). With the likes of Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, Nebraska and Missouri in the conversation, some are scratching their heads and and asking “What about the Irish?” I mean they are the most logical choice… They already play MSU and U of M every year and they’re right in the heart of Big Ten country, so of course it makes perfect sense. However, there is just one problem…they don’t want it. The Irish seem to want to be elite and separate from everyone. They want to make their own schedule and not have to follow certain guidelines. The Fighting Irish are no more than a bunch of spoiled babies. Oh no, he didn’t! Yes I did.
I haven’t even finished writing this and I can already hear the crying from South Bend. It would make perfect sense from a business standpoint to bring Notre Dame into the Big Ten family. The fan base is huge, the TV and radio markets are huge, the credibility of the school itself is second to none. So trust me, I get it. The problem is that Notre Dame doesn’t want to and never will.
This Wouldn’t be the First Time
The answer in 1999 from the Irish was a clear “No.” – Was it just because they want to continue to play Navy and USC every year? I have no doubt that had something to do with the decision but, the obvious reason is that they want to maintain how independent they are. 
They wouldn’t want to compromise the image they have as a school and a team. News flash: Notre Dame’s image is not something you should be so proud of. The days of Rudy and Joe Montana are over Irish. Instead, you’ve got Charlie Weis and Jimmy Clausen. Last I checked, those two images are very different from their successors’.
Ever since good old round Charlie showed up at Notre Dame with his lunch box packed full of money, the arrogant snob-factor has oozed throughout the campus. The excuses for losing games came flying at the media like bullets with Charlie never taking the blame but instead throwing his own players under the bus. Lets not forget the ritual of pointing out bad referees after the game (especially Big Ten officiating crews). This snobbish, baby-like attitude was everywhere and Charlie made it clear many times that he would not want to be part of the Big Ten.
Who’s the Winner in All of This?
So was it a good choice that once again Notre Dame made it clear they want to continue to do the Irish thing? From a Big Ten fan’s point of view, yes. It makes no difference to me that they want to remain independent. That is just further proof that the self-righteous Irish are so lost in the bubble they live in, that the light of day is no longer present. I mean – What sort of football team turns down a bowl game just because they are unhappy with the way the year ended?! As much as it pains me to say this as a Spartan fan, if it wasn’t for the University of Michigan, Notre Dame wouldn’t even have a football team. Sorry, Touchdown Jesus, but it’s true.
Now I know what some of you are thinking – ” What about the Big Ten?” Well, what about them? You can only ask a girl to the prom so many time before you start to look pathetic. Why should the Big Ten beg at the feet of the great Notre Dame to join the family? They shouldn’t – Not when you have other schools who are ready and willing to join and look forward to the opportunity. Who knows, perhaps this time next year I will be saying something different. It’s entirely possible that with Brian Kelly in charge that the attitude might change. Maybe once his regime takes over, the spring cleaning will begin and everything will be new and back to the glory days. Then again, maybe Brian Kelly will just go to the dark side.
Until one of the two happens, I will sit back and just watch the chaos that is Notre Dame. I will bask in the glory of watching them get owned by the same teams all over again. The only thing I will miss is good ol’ Charlie. I will miss the way that he held that team together and stood by his players. I will miss his wonderful insight into the game of football that gave him a “decided schematic advantage” and the kind words he said after every game. Oh, the memories you gave me, Charlie. Thank you.
Check out these related posts:
- Hurricanes, Irish to Rekindle Rivalry
- Brian Kelly Bringing Luck to The Irish?
- Notre Dame Under Pressure?
About This Author
this is very disrespectful to the university of notre dame.and have you ever seen a big ten game against nd and its not just nd ive seen the same thing in an iu game and if nd did decide to go to the bi ten they would be easily the finest university of the bunch
I can see where you’re coming from there, but I can also see some of the author’s points.
There is definitely a certain arrogance about Notre Dame – frankly, my Wolverines have some of it too. I think it comes from years of winning and success, but I think you’ll admit that ND fans think their school is the best, just like most other schools.
I hope that made some sense
If anything it was not disrespectful to the current Notre Dame , it was simply stating facts. It has nothing to do with the fans as much as it has to do with the attitude of the program. From your former coach and to the players. There is nothing wrong with thinking your the best or being cocky, but it’s how you do it.