You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Tue, Mar 9, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.

Big Ten expansion may force Notre Dame to consider giving up football independence

By AnnArbor.com Staff

JACK-SWARBRICK.jpg

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick says the possible expansion of the Big Ten could create changes in major college football that force the Fighting Irish to give up their football independence. (Photo: Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) — Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick says the possible expansion of the Big Ten could create changes in major college football that force the Fighting Irish to give up their football independence.

The Big Ten and Pac-10 have both said they are exploring the possibility of adding schools.

Swarbrick says that looming realignment changes could be "relatively small ... or they could be seismic."

While Notre Dame prefers to remain independent in football, Swarbrick says, he and university president Rev. John Jenkins will evaluate whatever changes occur and assess how they affect the Fighting Irish.

Swarbrick told reporters Tuesday morning: "You can each come up with a scenario that would force our hand."

Comments

PortageLkBlu

Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 12:32 a.m.

The Irish play a quarter of the 10 now. I'd like to see them in the 10 why not and great revenue. This new coach will probably turn them around it's going to happen sooner than we all imagine don't you think boys and girls? It won't effect big blu we play them anyway. We see them on TV every week and that's not an accident. Those guys get that contract=money,money and more money. It's good for everyone right down to US. Mich and Notre Dame will probably turn around right around the same time and the big 10 really will be the big 10 yea, I'd love to see the Irish in the 10 and make no mistake the Wolves are turning this thing around under RR and you can bet your lunch money boys and girls the Irish won't be far behind.

Forest City

Tue, Mar 9, 2010 : 5:34 p.m.

Hey Theo212, I don't think Michigan fans should be trash talking anyone right now. Just say No (tre Dame). I'd rather have Rutgers, Missouri, Pitt or Syracuse first.

dollarstoresparty

Tue, Mar 9, 2010 : 3:41 p.m.

"To Hell with Notre Dame". - Bo Schembechler

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Mar 9, 2010 : 3:27 p.m.

Now we know why the Big Ten wanted to handle naming a 12th team rather slowly. The first half of that period puts the pressure on Notre Dame. By, the way, affect/effect is one of those important homonyms for journalists and bloggers alike.