With expansion rumors bouncing from coast to coast and conference to conference, one thing remains certain. Notre Dame will not, or at least doesn not, want to join any one these potential leagues anytime soon.

Rumors about Notre Dame’s interest in the Big 10 circulated Twitter on Monday afternoon, only to be shot down by Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick an hour later. This, of course, is not the first we’ve heard of Notre Dame’s connection to the Big 10 along with other expansion scenarios and likely won’t be the last.

It’s not surprising that we’re hearing these rumors, but it is surprising that we are still able to look at them with an ounce of serious interest. Their new coach Brian Kelly came out earlier this year and proclaimed his desire to stay independent.

“From my standpoint, being the head football coach at Notre Dame, there’s nothing better than being an independent football school,” said Kelly while quoted in the South Bend Tribune. “I know you’re hearing all these rumors about the Big Ten and all these other things, but let me tell you one thing, the history … the tradition of Notre Dame football is steeped in that independence.”

I know, I know, I know. College coaches (particularly ones with a solid track record of anti-truth) shouldn’t necessarily be taken on their word. I heard him proclaim his love and dedication for the Bearcats as he has one, if not both feet out the door. But Kelly is someone who enjoys the challenge and already appears to be embracing the Irish spotlight. This spotlight, of course, shines much brighter because of the fact that ND is on an island all alone.

Their television deal with NBC also looms large in this situation. Perhaps larger than any of us know or believe. Notre Dame nets close to eleven million dollars a year from NBC (a small share coming from basketball). While this number could increase somewhat substantially by joining the Big 10, perhaps by as much as 50%, it doesn’t depict the full story. Notre Dame would be forced to share their BCS appearances with the rest of conference, something I can’t imagine they’d even want to fathom. (Insert joke about them not making it here).

They also would lose some of their marketing appeal if they were one of many. ND is America’s team, even if half of the United States roots for them to slip on the concrete on the way out to the field. Joining the Big 10 would cost them dearly beyond the extra dollars that would be guaranteed.

Scheduling, and the lack of freedom that they’ve grown accustomed to, is also monumental in this debate. As independents, Notre Dame is able to keep up primo out-of-conference rivalries (i.e. USC) and be creative in how each and every season plays out. I imagine RichRod would literally kill (or at least cheat mightily) for this. While this isn’t as large of a factor as many believe, there are plenty of large-pocketed Notre Dame boosters that pay top dollar for these rare college football freedoms.

Notre Dame doesn’t need or want the Big 10. The Big 10 needs Notre Dame. The Irish are a brand unlike any other in college football that still brews a passionate following regardless of record. The only other brand the can rival ND from a financial/brand perspective is Texas, who seems to be taking all options, including independence, into consideration. This unique situation of expansion hysteria isn’t what the Irish need right now. What they need, (and I believe internally they all believe this) is a 9-win season and a big bowl win.

Joining the Big 10 would be looked upon as a step down and a deal will only happen if the expansion is so grand that they have no where else to turn. If super-leagues began forming and Notre Dame’s other sports started to be effected greatly, perhaps that would have to pounce. Again, this isn’t something the Irish want to do, but something that may have to be done in order to not be caught in a corner and left behind.

Amid all the talks of Big 12, Big 10, and Pac-10 expansion - some high ranking officials in one of these conferences as simply has enough. Particularly with two universities that have been rumored in almost all expansion rumors.

The Big 12 have placed ultimatums on both Nebraska and Missouri in terms of identifying their future plans. While dates on exactly when these will take place are still being discussed, it’s been reported that Nebraska has two weeks to make up their mind. No pressure, there.

Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott, on the other hand, seems to embracing change and encouraging chatter amongst universities and conferences. He’s been somewhat reserved in commenting on the process, but the Pac-10 has the most to gain from adding some potential high-profile universities to his program and he knows it.

Today, however, it was reported that Scott has now been given permission to officially hand out invites to teams of interest, meaning things are moving quicker than he has indicated. To me, this also shows another instance where the Pac-10 has proved to be the most openly aggressive conference of the bunch. And why shouldn’t they be?

Other than USC, the Pac-10 has been the “also-ran” of the big conferences. Oregon has certainly helped create more buzz of late, but the Pac-10 could use some fresh blood away from the west coast to generate more t.v. ratings, prime time matchups, teams in contention, etc.

Scott is very aware of this and has nothing to lose when it comes to pursuing this. Their main attraction, USC, isn’t going anywhere so why not aim high (which is appears is what they are doing). By sending out invites to six teams, they will change the landscape of college football, and in their eyes, increase the popularity of their conference seemingly overnight.

The Big 12 isn’t in the same position of power. Their top dog, and perhaps the overall top dog Texas, has shown they are ready to shop around for a new conference. Losing them to either the Big 10 or Pac-10 would be crippling on many levels. The financials, of course, is what really scares many Big 12 officials. While they are looking for some change, it’s obvious that they are beginning to feel the heat in these so-called expansion deadlines.

Expect the Pac-10 to continue to pursue creative ways to expand their conferenceand in turn create buzz away from traditional west coast states. Brilliant marketing 101.

While their moves, invites, and comments will be HUGE news going forward, the response of the other conferences who have now taken a back seat will be even more riveting.

This is all very, very confusing, very, very interesting, and has given us a lot to talk about on Twitter.

WIN.

Pittsburgh head coach Dave Wannstedt wants NOTHING to do with talk about expansion.

The all-knowing mustache with a voice box made from god himself said he has been involved in “zero” discussions about potentially moving to the Big Ten and is letting the Panther suits take care of this situation.

Obviously a move would force Pitt to play more than 2 or 3 good team each year, although I can’t say the Big 10 would overwhelm them with talent or speed. In any event, we got your back, coach. And I think we understand exactly what you’re saying.