I just don't like the play in games to be a 16 seed. I am more acceptable for a battle to be an 11 seed. Why should conference winners (no matter how bad) be punished by playing an extra game just to compete in the tournament.
I can't see ND not going along with the other "major" schools in the FBS. If the p5 spend X amount on athletics the Irish will match that, no way they fall back with the MAC and SB teams.