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If this PAC 12 thing falls apart let's go independent. Schedule Army, Notre Dame, UConn, UMass every year and fill out the rest of the schedule with whoever we can get from the P5 programs. The AAC television money is negligible so, instead of sharing space with UNT etc, let's play a P5 schedule even if we don't make a P5 conference. Fresno State made a national splash a few years ago using a similar strategy.

Good luck getting games in October and early November. ND has to play 4 against ACC every year and Navy, USC and Michigan State. Then they want to schedule a few tough teams to help their SOS. Also, that keeps us out of bowl games (not a huge deal, but a deal). No TV contract. We might be on the same random networks as FCS teams twice a year. Let's just dominate the AAC and see where we end up.

Independent is a horrible idea for lots of reasons. We also have non-rev sports that need a home. If we go undefeated and win AAC championship, we have a spot in the expanded college football playoffs. SMU should always be in the top 5-6 G5 teams; and, if our recent haul from recruiting is indicative of talent vs. peer schools, there is no reason to believe we cannot run the conference table most years.

Personally, I like the idea of a strong, independent FB schedule.

However, the economics, bowl access, BB program challenges, and no home for our non-revenue sports make it impractical. Army and ND are national brands, and the Irish have a lifeline to ACC for the above issues.