If ND was in ACC, for instance, they would be playing in the conference championship this weekend and have a much better chance to make the CFP — unlike their current position of lacking an end-of-season signature conference championship win that could significantly bolster their CFP chances.

Clearly Kelly thinks the path to a national championship is better at LSU (Rockne has to be turning over in his grave), largely because of existing talent, recruiting base, fewer academic recruiting restrictions, and the wiggle room afforded by conference affiliation. Of course the money doesn’t hurt lol

But I wonder if this is a wake up call to ND that they aren’t living in the last century and advantages clearly go to those with P5 conference affiliations and conference champions in today’s game. Basically ND faces the same problem premier G5 programs do — either go undefeated or forget about possibility of a national championship.

Just wondering if this departure results in ND reevaluating things and what changes they might consider.