And so another summer of conference expansion rumors begin...

[Coleman]

I've heard from one of my sources theres a 90% chance of Loyola Chicago to the Big East

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I say, ND isn't going to the ACC.  This sounds like the Orangebloods article from a few weeks ago except "ACC" was substituted wherever "Big XII" appeared.   

[Benny B]

In the meantime, what do you propose schools do when presented with the bucketloads of money currently available based on today's boomer-driven oportunity--based on the increasing fees willing to be paid by the networks to gain access to content?

By all means, take the money.... but keep a low profile and don't draw unnecessary attention to your fat wallet.

[GGGG]

I say, ND isn't going to the ACC.  This sounds like the Orangebloods article from a few weeks ago except "ACC" was substituted wherever "Big XII" appeared.   

It makes much more sense than the B12.  They keep football independence, and the ACC is much more geographically logical than the B12 for non-football sports.

[Dawson Rental]

I've heard from one of my sources theres a 90% chance of Loyola Chicago to the Big East

It's hard to believe that Loyola would be wasting all the cash that went into renovating the Gentile Center in 2011.  Because I don't see the Big East as being anxious at all willing to add a less than 4500 seat basketball arena to the league.  The Big East is trying to retain members that add value to the league, not seek out members who will cause the league to lose prestige. 

[MUfan12]

It makes much more sense than the B12.  They keep football independence, and the ACC is much more geographically logical than the B12 for non-football sports.

Sure does. The ACC's expansion into the Northeast makes it very attractive for ND.

Not worried about the Big 12 or the Big Tweleven. ACC scares me though. The best outcome for MU is ND to stay independent in FB and in the Big East.

[Silkk the Shaka]

It's hard to believe that Loyola would be wasting all the cash that went into renovating the Gentile Center in 2011.  Because I don't see the Big East as being anxious at all willing to add a less than 4500 seat basketball arena to the league.  The Big East is trying to retain members that add value to the league, not seek out members who will cause the league to lose prestige. 

Sarcasm detector: fix it.

[MUBurrow]

Sure does. The ACC's expansion into the Northeast makes it very attractive for ND.

Not worried about the Big 12 or the Big Tweleven. ACC scares me though. The best outcome for MU is ND to stay independent in FB and in the Big East.

agreed except that I see all three as potential landing spots. All 3 are much better than what ND has now, and if any of those conferences are fine with allowing ND to maintain its football independence, I don't see a lot of reasons not to make a move.

[GOO]

I don't see ND making a move this year, however, I think the ACC makes the most sense for all sports other than football down the road. I agree that the expansion of the ACC into the NE makes the ACC the logical choice for ND's non-football sports and maybe even for football down the line.  ND would have problems competing on the football field in the B12.

[Groin_pull]

Sorry, but I think only the Big East is stupid enough to let ND get away with their pathetic "you get everything BUT football" nonsense. I believe every conference has told them the same thing. If you want in, you bring along your football team. It's everything—or forget it.

[Dawson Rental]

Sarcasm detector: fix it.

No sarcasm whatsoever.  What does Loyola offer the Big East other than another Chicago patsy.  They are having trouble competing in the Horizon, for gosh sakes.  At least there's some hope for DePaul.

[Silkk the Shaka]

No sarcasm whatsoever.  What does Loyola offer the Big East other than another Chicago patsy.  They are having trouble competing in the Horizon, for gosh sakes.  At least there's some hope for DePaul.

Hence the sarcasm inherent in the suggestion that there is a 90% chance of Loyola to the BEast, which apparently went right over your head. Twice.

[Dawson Rental]

Hence the sarcasm inherent in the suggestion that there is a 90% chance of Loyola to the BEast, which apparently went right over your head. Twice.

Maybe before I try to fix my sarcasm detector, I should check to see if I even have one to start with. 

[GGGG]

There might be something to the ND and ACC rumors.  They at least have acknowledged they are talking about the Orange Bowl, but that could just scratch the surface of their talks.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-07-09/sports/chi-notre-dame-confirms-acc-orange-bowl-discussions-20120709_1_host-bowls-orange-bowl-acc

[Skatastrophy]

Maybe before I try to fix my sarcasm detector, I should check to see if I even have one to start with. 

It's usually located on your undercarriage, right by your gaydar.