I think the reason why they don't want to be a Big Ten school is the lure of diversification. They already are in the B1G footprint and are culturally 'there'. What would be better than being in the B1G? Being in the ACC and the B1G!!!! They get the whole east coast for exposure and will always maintain their midwest B1G fandom because of who they are. Joining the B1G just gives them a home for Olypmic sports and an @ss kicking from UM, MSU, OSU, and Nebraska every year. They'd be done for. Just like FSU, another independent at one point did, feast on the weak ACC and get to the table the easy way. Thats what we have been doing for over a decade. Notre Dame won't join the Big Ten as long as the Big 12 and ACC pine for them. They'll do a partial deal with them. Only when the Big East is a dumpster fire (done) and the ACC and Big 12 realize they're better off without the Irish will they ever submit to Delaney.

I think we'll see an non-football ACC membership for the Irish and an agreement to play a half schedule slate of ACC teams as a non conference opponent, six games, every season. And I think its a HUGE win for the ACC.