Mike Smullen
@msmullen.bsky.social
Higher Ed professional. Jersey guy. Father. Husband. Son. Etc.
This I don’t get, though. They’re doing well without it, so why should they? I don’t know why Ohio State, Penn State, Alabama, etc. don’t do the same.
December 7, 2025 at 9:48 PM
This I don’t get, though. They’re doing well without it, so why should they? I don’t know why Ohio State, Penn State, Alabama, etc. don’t do the same.
I can see the underperformance, although there are plenty of others that fit that. I think of Alabama, for example. But I’m not sure I agree with media bias. Most games I watch, the commentators are largely negative about ND vs any competitor.
December 7, 2025 at 9:47 PM
I can see the underperformance, although there are plenty of others that fit that. I think of Alabama, for example. But I’m not sure I agree with media bias. Most games I watch, the commentators are largely negative about ND vs any competitor.
Appreciate that. You get used to it. It just always surprised me. I went to Drew U, a D3 whose mascot was a Ranger Bear. Never had a problem!
December 7, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Appreciate that. You get used to it. It just always surprised me. I went to Drew U, a D3 whose mascot was a Ranger Bear. Never had a problem!
I think he is, too. I’m not an ND grad, but I’m married to one. We don’t always agree, but I have been surprised at the level of actual hate she gets sometimes, mostly directed at the team — even from random people on the street.
December 7, 2025 at 7:21 PM
I think he is, too. I’m not an ND grad, but I’m married to one. We don’t always agree, but I have been surprised at the level of actual hate she gets sometimes, mostly directed at the team — even from random people on the street.
I have to imagine it’s just the money. They own their own brand, license their own deals, and maintain their own schedule. Helps them keep Navy, USC, etc. as well.
December 7, 2025 at 7:16 PM
I have to imagine it’s just the money. They own their own brand, license their own deals, and maintain their own schedule. Helps them keep Navy, USC, etc. as well.
I think about that a lot. Certainly that’s a strong case. With NIL, though, I feel like there’s a major shift already underway that’s going to obviate most conferences.
December 7, 2025 at 7:15 PM
I think about that a lot. Certainly that’s a strong case. With NIL, though, I feel like there’s a major shift already underway that’s going to obviate most conferences.
What superiority complex, though? The coach was very classy about this, I thought, and I think plenty of other coaches were much more arrogant. Is it the players? The fans?
December 7, 2025 at 7:13 PM
What superiority complex, though? The coach was very classy about this, I thought, and I think plenty of other coaches were much more arrogant. Is it the players? The fans?
They were last year, though. If they lost one fewer games, they would have made it. It’s just harder, right?
December 7, 2025 at 7:12 PM
They were last year, though. If they lost one fewer games, they would have made it. It’s just harder, right?
It’s millions for ND, a great deal of which goes back to the school. In this day and age, I’m surprised more schools aren’t emulating ND.
December 7, 2025 at 7:11 PM
It’s millions for ND, a great deal of which goes back to the school. In this day and age, I’m surprised more schools aren’t emulating ND.
I’ve been searching “ND” and “Notre Dame” which is how I ran across this. I’ve mostly seen people attacking ND. Some whining, sure, but not a lot. That’s what made me react. Just seems like a lot of extraordinary anger for ND.
December 7, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I’ve been searching “ND” and “Notre Dame” which is how I ran across this. I’ve mostly seen people attacking ND. Some whining, sure, but not a lot. That’s what made me react. Just seems like a lot of extraordinary anger for ND.
Hah— I remember the same, when I had hair. If I heard someone ask where my “lucky charms” were one more time .. I’m curious about the special treatment, though. It seems like they get some pretty bad officiating from other refs. What’s the special treatment? Honest.
December 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Hah— I remember the same, when I had hair. If I heard someone ask where my “lucky charms” were one more time .. I’m curious about the special treatment, though. It seems like they get some pretty bad officiating from other refs. What’s the special treatment? Honest.
I’m not mad, man. I don’t get the level of hatred. Genuinely.
December 7, 2025 at 6:52 PM
I’m not mad, man. I don’t get the level of hatred. Genuinely.
Man, what is with that? No snark. Why the level of vituperation?
December 7, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Man, what is with that? No snark. Why the level of vituperation?
Why Is that? No snark. I don’t understand the ND hate.
December 7, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Why Is that? No snark. I don’t understand the ND hate.
Every school does this in one form or another. Much of it is subsidized by the states themselves, unlike ND.
December 7, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Every school does this in one form or another. Much of it is subsidized by the states themselves, unlike ND.
I think that’s true. But Miami is not noticeably better than ND, either. And Alabama could be seen as worse.
December 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I think that’s true. But Miami is not noticeably better than ND, either. And Alabama could be seen as worse.
I would too, honestly. They were really struggling.
December 7, 2025 at 6:40 PM
I would too, honestly. They were really struggling.
Yeesh, man. Are you under the impression that ND is the Catholic Church? Also, where did you graduate from?
December 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Yeesh, man. Are you under the impression that ND is the Catholic Church? Also, where did you graduate from?
Why are you happy with any reply that leaves ND out? Honest question, no snark.
December 7, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Why are you happy with any reply that leaves ND out? Honest question, no snark.
Feels like they won’t and they are, though. Otherwise, no need for this post, right?
December 7, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Feels like they won’t and they are, though. Otherwise, no need for this post, right?
I think hundreds of millions of dollars is a good consolation price for not joining.
December 7, 2025 at 6:23 PM
I think hundreds of millions of dollars is a good consolation price for not joining.