The first is to remain independent and the second is to be the jewel in the Big Ten's expansion plans.

But what if there were a third option that satisfied the Irish's needs? The solution would be to join the Big East full time, and in some small way, maintain a level of independence.

Unquestionably, the Big Ten offers greater financial rewards, but cash isn't the only concern for Notre Dame. While independence is the top priority, ND president the Rev. John I. Jenkins recently expressed in The Chronicle of Higher Education that the status quo may not cut it.

Father Jenkins said in the article, “It’s like musical chairs. You don’t want to be left standing when everybody else has a...

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