This is the Ol’ Sport Talker and I had a very interesting conversation on Christmas.
The topic was: How to fix Notre Dame Football.
Join a conference. Why you ask? Recognition. High school recruits coming in for a look-see would see Conference Championship banners provided ND would win one. In the world of Youtube clips and sound bites, recruits want to know, (As Janet Jackson sang,) “what have you done for me lately!”
Lets compare Notre Dame to a few universities around the area. First the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Notre Dame’s last title came in 1993. While UC has never won a National Title, they just won the Big East title. Not only will UC have a banner at their stadium, but the players will get a Big East Championship ring!
Now you bring in High School recruits and they meet with current players and see “bling” in the form of a ring. They see a trophy in the case, which is more impressive? Something from 15 years ago, not to mention 3+ coaches ago, or something recent?
Bragging rights: Tom O’Brien after his NC State Wolfpack beat the UNC Tarheels in football, Immediately announced, “We are the best football school in North Carolina!” how can he say this? This year the Woldpack beat, Carolina, Duke and Wake Forrest in football. Don’t you think he will use that in a recruiting tool?
Let’s say you are a top High School recruit and you have the following schools knocking at your door. UC Bearcats. They just won the Big East title and are going to a bowl game.
Purdue: New head coach with unproven track record, at least with Purdue anyway.
Indiana: IU’s best was in 1968 when they went to the Rose Bowl and Jane Pauley was in college.
Ball State: Perfect season, lost MAC Championship though.
Notre Dame: We won it all in in 1993! (Yawn.)
Michigan: Don’t make me laugh!
You might argue that Notre Dame doesn’t need a conference as long as they win. Ask Miami how that worked for them.
This is the Ol’ Sports Talker wishing you a Happy New Year! And be an athletic supporter!
