For clarification, I never meant to imply that ND would never be able to schedule without the ACC as specific opponents. They will find someone. I said if they are not in the ACC they currently will need another long term scheduling partner, similar to the ACC. They have to have this to integrate with other team's conference obligations in order to fill out their end of season schedule with quality teams - and have a home for non-revs. That is a true data driven point. Without being specific, I said they have several options - but many of those options also include consequences they don't like. For curiosity, I asked who they would fill the ACC spots with - and the related consequences - they do need someone outside of the current set up - or they will be left with the pieces after conference games are set - those teams would love it - ND not so much. That could be anything from ND joining a conference full time (which they definitely don't like) - to the whole sport blowing up with completely redrawn team associations (which they probably won't like - collectively the P2 is too powerful for them to get what they want) My opinions are: I don't think that the B1G or SEC will give them a similar deal that they have with ACC - they don't have the leverage here - everyone knows they need end of season games - and a place for non-revs. I don't think the P2 will give them enough end of season games to consistently fill the end of the season schedule, and a place for non-revs, without joining. They could go B12 similar to the ACC - but they seem to prefer a more east coast presence with more traditional academically associated schools - not a slight, just traditional national perception. They could stay with ACC - with their faux/misplaced outrage. But they seem tired of that - partially warranted with the recent on field performance of the ACC. The Big East offers a place for non-revs, but no solution to football scheduling. Will the P2 cave on some conference obligations in a slightly new system to include/schedule ND? Maybe. But the P2 don't "need" ND, it is a plus. ND needs some type of scheduling arrangement. I personally think this is unlikely unless a complete blow up happens, where it is so different all can claim a win.