Impact of a Conference-Only 2020 College Football Schedule on Notre Dame

Notre Dame is a unique case in college football, being an independent program that schedules its own games. In light of the 2020 pandemic, many teams opted for conference-only schedules to minimize travel and potential exposure to COVID-19. This essay explores the potential impacts this may have had on Notre Dame.

Independence vs. Conference Affiliation

Notre Dame’s independence means it schedules its own games rather than being part of a conference. A conference-only schedule would have forced Notre Dame to seek out opponents from independent programs or conferences that allowed non-conference play. This raises several questions about the feasibility and overall logistics of such a schedule.

Limited Game Opportunities

Much like every other team, Notre Dame also faced challenges in securing a full schedule. Many conferences opted for a conference-only schedule, relying on interconference matchups that were fewer and harder to secure. Notre Dame, typically playing a mix of conference and non-conference games, would have struggled to fill its calendar. They would have needed to look elsewhere, potentially leading to a less balanced and less competitive schedule.

Playoff Eligibility

Notre Dame's goal is often the College Football Playoff (CFP). However, if they could not secure a full and competitive schedule of games, their playoff chances would have been significantly impacted. The CFP is highly competitive, and even games against weaker opponents can affect a team's ranking and playoff selection. Therefore, a conference-only schedule could have jeopardized their path to the CFP.

Rivalry Games

Rivalry games are a significant part of Notre Dame's football culture. Games against teams like USC and Michigan are highly anticipated events that drive fan engagement and team morale. If these games were canceled or replaced with less competitive matchups, it could have negatively impacted the overall excitement and success of the team.

Partnerships and Stability

In 2020, Notre Dame temporarily joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for football. This partnership provided them with a more stable and fuller schedule, which in turn helped them secure a spot in the College Football Playoff for that season. The ACC partnership was a strategic move that allowed Notre Dame to navigate the challenging 2020 season more effectively.

Financial Implications

A conference-only schedule could have had significant financial implications, particularly for Notre Dame. Games are a major source of revenue, and limited or canceled games could lead to a decline in ticket sales and home game revenue. Additionally, with health protocols in place, attendance limitations could further impact financial stability.

Conclusion

In summary, a conference-only schedule in 2020 would have posed significant challenges for Notre Dame as an independent program. However, their temporary partnership with the ACC allowed them to secure a more stable and competitive schedule, significantly impacting their overall performance and financial health.