Notre Dame needs to budge on USC scheduling negotiations

This is a different age of college football. One aspect that should not be lost as a byproduct of the constant changes is the USC vs. Notre Dame rivalry. It's an important game that means a lot and is tremendously important for both schools.

Although, for one school, keeping up appearances and attempting to save face is apparently more important than genuinely trying to figure out a way to preserve the Jeweled Shillelagh.

SI's Pat Forde reported that the Fighting Irish believe it to be an integral part of the sport's landscape and wish to preserve the matchup. The Trojans, meanwhile, have actually provided a path forward for that to happen, per the same report.

ND is gesturing and pontificating while attempting to overplay their status in the NCAA. Yes, they have built the brand that does not warrant being in a conference, and their current ACC agreement allows for some scheduling stability. This has been since only further enhanced with their latest Clemson agreement.

Their not being in a conference is now disproportionately affecting negotiations regarding the Jeweled Shillelagh.

With the increased travel demands, it does not make sense for the Trojans to get out of their way to keep the game later in the schedule. The traditional October/November spot will work against USC in their larger, encompassing plans. Having it be an early non-conference game is the only suitable option moving forward.

Notre Dame playing hardball in regard to this point specifically shows an unwillingness to actually want to keep this game intact as a part of the annual tradition of the sport.

As of now, the criteria of the College Football Playoff committee has room for fluctuation. Strength of schedule could very well play less of a factor than simply compiling wins. In either case, the game needs to be moved up.

Suitable option would preserve USC-ND game every year

To have this game scheduled during Big Ten play adversely affects USC, especially in years when they will be legitimately chasing a championship.

Maybe the brand of ND will always be enough for them to get into the CFP, even if they have a weak SoS. That only further speaks to the team that is currently remaining independent being the one that truly needs this on their schedule.

USC is in a conference; they have a path to the playoffs every year. The Fighting Irish, on the other hand, could see their ACC counterparts do them fewer and fewer favors depending on the year. It's in their best interest to wise up and have the rivalry be a late-August or early-September matchup.