[TallyW]

If we signed an agreement for a team like Nebraska to come to Lynchburg, Jerry would make that stadium a two-level horseshoe over the course of a long weekend.

[PAmedic]

Has anyone stated how many the berm will hold?

IIRC a couple weeks ago Manson reported the berm is closed.
So there will be no seating on the berm due to the grade

[Liberty22]

Just a thought from ND AD

““Well, Notre Dame football has to [play the best teams],” Swarbrick said. “First of all, don’t be independent if you’re not prepared to do that. But secondly, it’s the legacy of the program. Part of Jesse’s message was: Play the best teams and play all over the country. Knute Rockne picked up that mantel and did that, and it’s continued ever since. It’s part of our DNA and who we are, so we should be doing it. What’s changed is that we probably do it a little more with the College Football Playoff selection process in mind then before. “

“The reason why Notre Dame has the flexibility to schedule such marquee matchups every year is because of its independent status. Swarbrick doesn’t see the Irish joining a conference any time soon, even if it would make a path to the College Football Playoff easier.”

“We don’t choose independence because it helps the football program,” Swarbrick said. “We would have a potentially easier path to a championship in the current model if we were in a conference. We choose independence because of its benefit for the University and what football represents. It’s our ability to play in New York and California … the ACC lets us travel from Miami to Boston, we’ll play in iconic venues like Lambeau Field — that’s what we need to do. Don’t get me wrong, our focus has to be winning football games and competing for national championships, but we have this secondary obligation with the program to use it as a vehicle to promote the school, and we look for every opportunity to do that. “

https://ndsmcobserver.com/2018/08/swarb ... am-future/

[Class of 20Something]

Just a thought from ND AD

““Well, Notre Dame football has to [play the best teams],” Swarbrick said. “First of all, don’t be independent if you’re not prepared to do that. But secondly, it’s the legacy of the program. Part of Jesse’s message was: Play the best teams and play all over the country. Knute Rockne picked up that mantel and did that, and it’s continued ever since. It’s part of our DNA and who we are, so we should be doing it. What’s changed is that we probably do it a little more with the College Football Playoff selection process in mind then before. “

“The reason why Notre Dame has the flexibility to schedule such marquee matchups every year is because of its independent status. Swarbrick doesn’t see the Irish joining a conference any time soon, even if it would make a path to the College Football Playoff easier.”

“We don’t choose independence because it helps the football program,” Swarbrick said. “We would have a potentially easier path to a championship in the current model if we were in a conference. We choose independence because of its benefit for the University and what football represents. It’s our ability to play in New York and California … the ACC lets us travel from Miami to Boston, we’ll play in iconic venues like Lambeau Field — that’s what we need to do. Don’t get me wrong, our focus has to be winning football games and competing for national championships, but we have this secondary obligation with the program to use it as a vehicle to promote the school, and we look for every opportunity to do that. “

https://ndsmcobserver.com/2018/08/swarb ... am-future/

[/thread]

[JK37]

Just a thought from ND AD

““Well, Notre Dame football has to [play the best teams],” Swarbrick said. “First of all, don’t be independent if you’re not prepared to do that. But secondly, it’s the legacy of the program. Part of Jesse’s message was: Play the best teams and play all over the country. Knute Rockne picked up that mantel and did that, and it’s continued ever since. It’s part of our DNA and who we are, so we should be doing it. What’s changed is that we probably do it a little more with the College Football Playoff selection process in mind then before. “

“The reason why Notre Dame has the flexibility to schedule such marquee matchups every year is because of its independent status. Swarbrick doesn’t see the Irish joining a conference any time soon, even if it would make a path to the College Football Playoff easier.”

“We don’t choose independence because it helps the football program,” Swarbrick said. “We would have a potentially easier path to a championship in the current model if we were in a conference. We choose independence because of its benefit for the University and what football represents. It’s our ability to play in New York and California … the ACC lets us travel from Miami to Boston, we’ll play in iconic venues like Lambeau Field — that’s what we need to do. Don’t get me wrong, our focus has to be winning football games and competing for national championships, but we have this secondary obligation with the program to use it as a vehicle to promote the school, and we look for every opportunity to do that. “

https://ndsmcobserver.com/2018/08/swarb ... am-future/

[LUDad]

Just a thought from ND AD

““Well, Notre Dame football has to [play the best teams],” Swarbrick said. “First of all, don’t be independent if you’re not prepared to do that. But secondly, it’s the legacy of the program. Part of Jesse’s message was: Play the best teams and play all over the country. Knute Rockne picked up that mantel and did that, and it’s continued ever since. It’s part of our DNA and who we are, so we should be doing it. What’s changed is that we probably do it a little more with the College Football Playoff selection process in mind then before. “

“The reason why Notre Dame has the flexibility to schedule such marquee matchups every year is because of its independent status. Swarbrick doesn’t see the Irish joining a conference any time soon, even if it would make a path to the College Football Playoff easier.”

“We don’t choose independence because it helps the football program,” Swarbrick said. “We would have a potentially easier path to a championship in the current model if we were in a conference. We choose independence because of its benefit for the University and what football represents. It’s our ability to play in New York and California … the ACC lets us travel from Miami to Boston, we’ll play in iconic venues like Lambeau Field — that’s what we need to do. Don’t get me wrong, our focus has to be winning football games and competing for national championships, but we have this secondary obligation with the program to use it as a vehicle to promote the school, and we look for every opportunity to do that. “

https://ndsmcobserver.com/2018/08/swarb ... am-future/

The ND AD is changing the narrative somewhat. ND was independent for so many years simply because they could not get a major conference to admit them. As such, they were forced into a national schedule. ND was desperate to get into what is now the Big 10 but were declined twice. They had Knute Rockne, the 4 horseman and a national championship and could not get in. Why? Because of religious bigotry. The ONLY thing that has changed is the advent of TV revenue and the sets of eyeballs that ND places in front of the sets. Because of TV revenue, ND is now in the drivers seat. Now ND is turning down invitations to the BIG 10.

Hopefully, Liberty will continue to build their national following through online learning and TV so that they can control their own destiny (humanly speaking).

[Liberty22]

What’s crazy is that ND not being allowed into a conference and being forced into Independence has actually caused them to thrive and become a household name. Sound familiar? Let’s see if we are able to thrive as well.

[alabama24]

Purple: there IS a chance we could be in a bowl game, but I think this opportunity out weighs playing in one. I agree with you: Name recognition is important. We can show recruits: "Look, you can play against Nebraska, Auburn, VT." That is going much further than, "Look, we went to the toilet bowl!"

[BJWilliams]

What’s crazy is that ND not being allowed into a conference and being forced into Independence has actually caused them to thrive and become a household name. Sound familiar? Let’s see if we are able to thrive as well.

And get their own cash cow in an exclusive TV deal with NBC that goes back to when i was 9 and will run as of now to when my oldest son just about starts middle school

[tyndal23]

There is a thread on this board Future Scheduling Philosophy - regarding unique position LU is in as an Independent and what our long term goal is. We have the ability to schedule 6 P5 games a year and play every major conference each year. I proposed 2026 as the start of that ( since we already scheduled 2025 September games ). Is Liberty a nice little regional team that schedules 2-3 P5 teams and rest G5 with a bowl as the goal OR do are we wanting to be considered a BYU ND and if so shedule it out 7 years in advance and trust your Program will get the players that can compete. I hope we go for it.

[LUOrange]

I'm all for playing Nebraska, in all honesty, I hope we do. However, we should only do it as a 13th game or if it doesn't cost us a home game and doesn't harm anyone we've already scheduled. The reality of this year for both the team and us fans is that our games against UVA, Auburn, and hopefully, Nebraska, are our bowl games. The opportunity to play in their stadiums and possibly play them close or beat them, no matter how unlikely, is why we wanted to be FBS in the first place. We need 7 wins and help to make the Cure Bowl, that's probably not happening. We should relish our P-5 games for the big games that they are o top of what they can do long term for the program.

[alabama24]

I'm all for playing Nebraska, in all honesty, I hope we do. However, we should only do it as a 13th game or if it doesn't cost us a home game and doesn't harm anyone we've already scheduled.

From my understanding, every suggestion above is a yes to the latter (does not cost us a home game, doesn't hurt someone we have scheduled.)

[JK37]

We can show recruits: "Look, you can play against Nebraska, Auburn, VT." That is going much further than, "Look, we went to the toilet bowl!"

I adamantly disagree. This year, play one or two of those, and you’ve covered your bases by being able to claim a willingness to play anyone, anywhere. There is a law of diminishing returns here. Play too many, and you’re just piling up losses and possibly injuries.

The positive spin is, “We went to a bowl game in our very first FBS season.” That’s way better than, “We played Auburn, UVA and Nebraska — and lost.”

Have enough WINNING seasons between now and 2026, and just maybe we’ll be ready for a more national schedule like tyndal is pushing. But make no mistake, THERE IS NO BETTER RECRUITING CARROT THAN WINNING.

Mark my words, several losing seasons in a row will NEVER be overcome by, “But we played 3/4/5 power 5 schools!” Kids these days value WINNING above all else. That why recruiting is so dang hard of a staff doesn’t turn things around quickly and start winning soon. You think it’s just unrealistic AD’s that fire coaches after 1-3 losing seasons? No! It’s the recruits who fire them by saying, “No” to losers.

[Purple Haize]

Purple: there IS a chance we could be in a bowl game, but I think this opportunity out weighs playing in one. I agree with you: Name recognition is important. We can show recruits: "Look, you can play against Nebraska, Auburn, VT." That is going much further than, "Look, we went to the toilet bowl!"

There IS a chance I could be a vegan.

[Purple Haize]

If we are in a place where building brand recognition and getting our name out there, then Turner Gill is the perfect coach for where we are as a program and we should try to play Nebraska.

I'll be really disappointed if that's where we are though.

What's new!

Oh snap.

But honestly where do you think LU is at?

[Jonathan Carone]

I think we are in a place where we are using football to build the brand of the school and get exposure but we also know exposure for losing isn’t the exposure we want. We are a school built on the idea of training champions. We have to care about results.

[Purple Haize]

I think we are in a place where we are using football to build the brand of the school and get exposure but we also know exposure for losing isn’t the exposure we want. We are a school built on the idea of training champions. We have to care about results.

If you believe that you should be disappointed we are playing the likes of Auburn etc

[Class of 20Something]

Here is something I just thought of. If we don't, we have a legitimate chance at 7-5 and not only a bowl game, but keeping the streak of winning seasons alive through the transition. With winning seasons 2006-2018.

[Jonathan Carone]

I think we are in a place where we are using football to build the brand of the school and get exposure but we also know exposure for losing isn’t the exposure we want. We are a school built on the idea of training champions. We have to care about results.

If you believe that you should be disappointed we are playing the likes of Auburn etc

Do you ever not play the contrarian?

[FLAMEfromBAMA]

Looks like Nebraska is definitely wanting to get a 12th game and not settle for 11.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/st ... ncellation

[Purple Haize]

I think we are in a place where we are using football to build the brand of the school and get exposure but we also know exposure for losing isn’t the exposure we want. We are a school built on the idea of training champions. We have to care about results.

If you believe that you should be disappointed we are playing the likes of Auburn etc

Do you ever not play the contrarian?

I’m just using the standard you set forth. Based on that LU should only schedule winnable games. At this point LU is such an unknown quantity Athletically it needs all the exposure it can get. Playing at Nebraska would be huge. And much more beneficial to the brand than playing anyone in the State of New Mexico or the Kate Moss slim chance of appearing in the NoOneGives2Sheetz Bowl. It’s not being contrarian. Ive been pretty consistent on this Nebraska thing.

[Jonathan Carone]

You’re pulling one half of a sentence out of an entire discussion and trying to pick that apart. The discussion was talking about playing names and not caring about record at all. The argument was that exposure is all we should go after.

I’m saying we can focus on winning and play name games as well. This year’s schedule is the perfect example of that. We get exposure in the name games but still have the opportunity to win six games if our coaches do a good job. We are trying to build a culture where kids want to come and play at. They won’t want to play for a 3-9 team who gets pounded by big schools each year. Ken Karcher taught us that.

[Purple Haize]

You’re pulling one half of a sentence out of an entire discussion and trying to pick that apart. The discussion was talking about playing names and not caring about record at all. The argument was that exposure is all we should go after.

I’m saying we can focus on winning and play name games as well. This year’s schedule is the perfect example of that. We get exposure in the name games but still have the opportunity to win six games if our coaches do a good job. We are trying to build a culture where kids want to come and play at. They won’t want to play for a 3-9 team who gets pounded by big schools each year. Ken Karcher taught us that.

You can’t compare what’s going on now to the Karcher era at all. Akron is no Auburn. It’s not like LU was getting a lot of Press playing The Zips. Resources are different atmosphere is different. Apples and cotton balls comparison.
Plus, I just completely disagree with your premise. LU is an unknown entity (Despite Jr’s Twitter) especially athletically. That needs to change. A couple of years of playing high exposure games is exactly what they are doing and exactly the correct strategy. Adding one more high profile game is a great idea. You act like it’s akin to playing an actual B1G Schedule. I’ll wager $1000 to the charity of your choice that if you asked the players on the team and the potential recruits who they rather play : Neberaska New Mexico Somebody or have a 2% chance of playing in some Bowl no one has ever heard of, the majority will pick Nebraska. It’s ONE GAME. The ROI would be tremendous. To turn down or not pursue the opportunity would be a bad move.
IF 10 years from now LU is still in this position, yeah, you have a totally legitimate point.

[JK37]

It’s one game, but it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. That one game is part of a whole season. In this instance, it’s a season that already includes two Power 5 opponents.

So the question isn’t just, “Would you rather play Nebraska, NM, or a bowl?”

The question really is, “Would you rather play two notable Power 5 teams and have a good shot at a bowl, or play three notable Power 5 teams and have less a chance at that same bowl?”

What is the ROI? We’re already getting serious ROI from the UVA and Auburn matchups. How much MORE do we get from this Nebraska matchup? And does it outweighs the ROI from winning at least six games and going to a bowl in the first season of FBS. I strongly wager, No!

Also, there are pitches made to recruits AFTER the fact. I’ve said it previously. We can already pitch a willingness to play anyone, anywhere with UVA and Auburn already on the schedule. Nebraska doesn’t move the notoriety meter enough. It’ll be an interesting story on the B block of Outside the Lines for one news cycle; it’s not enough to take another sure loss over a bowl - ANY BOWL! We’ve never done that before, and you can absolutely use “we played two Power 5’s, had a winning record and went to a bowl in our first FBS season,” more than “we played three FBS opponents.”

[SumItUp]

Let’s go play Big Red.