I know quite a few people that watch their games, myself included. Believe it or not there is college football outside the SEC. Just because you don't know anyone personally doesn't mean it isn't true.
I hear what you're saying and I agree to a certain point, but clearly ND carries a lot of power or it wouldn't basically have its own TV network for all these years. I know several ND fans, but they quiet and reserved so that's probably the reason I don't hear much from them, but I hear what you're saying. No matter what you and I think, ND is a national brand and very few schools can say that. I don't see them joining a conference because its the only big time independent school in the country that still has a seat at the table in terms of NC discussions. So, why join a conference where it has to abide by someone else's rules? I know some will say money, but I think it's clear ND has money and is not in any danger of hitting the food stamp line anytime soon.
Other way around, baw. I watch the shit out of CFB, from early ACC to late night p12 games. Just so happens there is always better games on at the same time as the domers. Watching them beat down service academies or a strugglin pac12/acc team is not for me but Im sure its good enough for you. FYI, I dont watch the gumps beat down citadel either. While ND viewership numbers are nominally high, the size of the realtive viewing market has increased exponentially in the last 20yrs thanks to expanded cable and streaming (which is not typically reported/included in viewership). Basically the only thing keeping them competitive is the Catholic church and the Chicago market. Id wager most of the people watching ND football in fact DONT watch/follow other CFB at all. This isnt a debate about numbers. Rather its a question of how much influence ND wields in the modern era. I say its diminishing at fairly constant rate. CBK breathed some life into them but it remains to be seen if CMF can build on it.
It's only about the number$. And whether you agree or not, networks will pay big money for Notre Dame.
I live in what is arguably one of the most competitive high school football conferences in the country....that being the Trinity League. Mater Dei, Servite, JSerra, Orange Lutheran, Santa Margarita, St John Bosco. This is a very Catholic-rich county and that means a shit-ton of Notre Dame fans. They are not only irish football fans but they pay attention outside their bubble. They are stubbornly loyal to their history....just like bama fan is. When the irish traveled to Athens in 2019, CBS announced it as the highest rated of the season (although it was just late September). "The ratings are evidence the CBS executives knew what they were doing when they chose Georgia’s game with the Irish as their nighttime exemption game. It’s the first time since 2010 CBS didn’t use it for Alabama-LSU......The rating marks the highest for a CBS game in September in six years, dating back to when a No. 1-ranked Alabama team faced Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M in a 49-42 classic in 2013." The biggest arguments I get into out here about college football are with irish fans. And the ones out here like/watch/follow the Pac12. The Big10 clearly wants the irish, not only for their viewership but they "fit" both academically and culture-wise. They bring a solid history, other strong athletic teams, etc. For ND, in exchange for the money, they'll have to give up their core identity and will become just another Big10 team. I'm not sure they'll pull that trigger. Yup. It's why Fox coordinated USC's move to the Big10. USC hasn't won jack since Clay Helton's pillow-soft ass took over. Fox is planning to be bigger than the SEC/ESPN.
