Staff Editorial: ACC is goin' to the Irish

During the contentious debate surrounding the expansion of the ACC this past summer, Duke consistently voiced its opposition to the plan, and voted against the addition of Miami and Virginia Tech. Now, it appears as though the debate will be rekindled, as ACC officials have expressed interest in adding the University of Notre Dame as the ACC's 12th institution. Despite its hesitation to support expansion in the past, Duke officials should support the conference's efforts to secure a commitment from Notre Dame, as its addition will increase the ACC's national prestige, revenues and competition in non-revenue sports.

 However, officials should insist that Notre Dame commit to relinquishing its independent status in football within the decade.

Conference officials are currently considering two options to lure the Fighting Irish to the ACC. First, Notre Dame would sever its ties to the Big East conference, in which it competes in all sports except football, and would move to the ACC. It would remain independent in football, but would schedule at least three games with ACC opponent each year, paving the way for eventual inclusion in the conference. Alternatively, Notre Dame would promise to join the ACC in football within a designated time frame, and join in all other sports immediately. ACC leaders should only accept the Irish's inclusion if they make a firm commitment with regard to their football program, because NCAA regulations require a conference to have 12 teams before it can hold a lucrative conference championship football game. Such a game was a primary goal of expansion in the first place.

 While Notre Dame's prestigious football program is undoubtedly the focus of discussion, the school has many other qualities that make it a perfect fit for the ACC. First, its mix of successful athletics with top-flight academics would reflect extremely well on the ACC. Many of the presidents and chancellors of ACC schools have stated that Notre Dame is the only school they would consider including as a 12th member. Notre Dame's inclusion would boost the ACC's reputation athletically and academically.

 Further, Notre Dame is a revenue machine. It is one of the most recognizable and popular schools in the country, with a tremendous alumni following and fan base. Just as Miami's inclusion opened the ACC to a burgeoning television and apparel market in Florida, the addition of Notre Dame would bring a tidal wave of revenue for the ACC. The ACC would then include Notre Dame, Miami, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Maryland and N.C. State, all schools with BCS hopes each year. This would increase revenue for Duke in terms of profit sharing from bowl games.

 Notre Dame is also an asset in sports besides football. The Irish compete for the Sears Cup--awarded to the school with the highest achievement in athletics overall--each year. The Irish's basketball team is routinely in the Top 25, and would give the men's basketball team a run for its money. Non-revenue sports would benefit from increased inner-conference competition, and would attract more recruits. In total, Notre Dame's addition to the ACC would end the expansion process on a high note. However, its inclusion is highly contingent upon the school's willingness to give up its independent football status. If this impasse can be overcome, a 12-member ACC would undoubtedly become college sports' premier conference.