Enhancing Notre Dame's Schedule with Big 12 Matchups

Located in Tempe, AZ, Notre Dame's football schedule has often been praised for its diversity, yet it can also feel somewhat monotonous at times. While the Fighting Irish have enjoyed a strong record against their ACC rivals, the thrill of facing a wider array of opponents could breathe new life into their game calendar.

Since entering into an agreement with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the prospect of contests against teams like Clemson, Florida State, and Miami initially generated excitement. However, with Notre Dame's impressive 55-12 record against ACC foes since 2014, the matchups have become predictable. Although the upcoming five years promise a more compelling slate, there's a case to be made for incorporating at least one home-and-home series with a Big 12 team each season.

The Irish already have a matchup lined up with BYU, but there are still plenty of opportunities to schedule exciting games in various locales. The focus here isn't on enhancing the team's playoff chances or bolstering their strength of schedule; rather, it's about injecting fresh excitement into the mix. While matchups against traditional powers like Tennessee or Michigan could offer their own allure, a more realistic approach would be to explore games in places like Morgantown, West Virginia, or Lubbock, Texas.

The current discussions surrounding postseason formats and media rights have somewhat dulled the enjoyment of college football. However, Notre Dame's independent status allows for flexibility in scheduling, making it entirely feasible to arrange home-and-home series with teams they don’t typically face. Expanding their horizons in this way could ultimately make the Irish's game calendar more engaging for both players and fans alike.