re: Big 12 Courting Notre Dame - Does the SEC Offer?

The reason ND would prefer the Big Twelve to the Big Ten is because the Big Ten limits ND's geographical footprint. It's already in the Midwest. The Big Twelve does not provide that limitation. The point about Michigan's bigotry in the past is also true, but I really don't think that matters anymore, to be honest. That was a big deal more than 60 years ago. It's just about ND's footprint now. I think ND would prefer the ACC over the Big Twelve, as it is better academically and has more similar institutions (small/private). It also would give ND more reach across the entire eastern seaboard from Boston to Miami. But obviously that's if it remains as is. If FSU and Clemson leave like expected for the Big Twelve, the ACC is out. SEC isn't in ND's best interest for a few reasons, including culture and academics.

Independence is still the clear top option, and really the only way I see that changing is if remaining an independent significantly hurts and/or eliminates ND's chances at a national championship compared to joining a conference (i.e. a system where only conference champions are allowed in a playoff).