Marcus Freeman highlights scenario that could force Notre Dame to join a conference
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Marcus Freeman does not want to see Notre Dame lose its independence. However, the head coach is ready to at least acknowledge there is a scenario where the Fighting Irish could be forced to join a league.
In a sit-down interview with FOX broadcaster Joel Klatt, Freeman dissected a number of topics in a wide-ranging discussion. The topic of Notre Dame’s independence came up, and Freeman acknowledged it is something that remains extremely valuable for the football program.
“As long as we can, we will,” said Marcus Freeman about remaining independent. “It’s what this football program was built from, and I have a lot of confidence in our administration… that (they) will always keep us in a position to be successful.”
The potential hindrance to remaining independent, for Freeman, would be if Notre Dame finds itself at a disadvantage because they are not in a conference. The threat comes if the Fighting Irish are ever at a disadvantage to make the College Football Playoff, or prominent teams do not want to schedule Notre Dame.
“I think if you’re talking about being at a disadvantage to make the postseason, because you’re not in the Playoff. Or if there comes a time that teams won’t schedule you because the Big Ten and the SEC are saying we’re going to play 9 games and we’ll play a crossover game, and who cares about Notre Dame, I think there’s gonna be a point where we’re forced to join a conference,” admitted Freeman.
“But, until that happens, which it doesn’t look likely, we’re going to stay independent as long as we can.”
Last season, Notre Dame reached the Playoff with a 14-1 overall record, even with a loss to NIU early in the year. The Fighting Irish are also tied with Alabama for the 6th-best odds to reach the College Football Playoff this season, so access has not been a problem thus far. Fans can track those odds throughout the preseason with the top betting apps available.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
