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Post being replied to

I do not have a strong opinion on the “right” start date by fortune_smith

and am skeptical there should even be one.

The commentary here has been more focused on playing Navy within the ACC guidelines, which could still evolve to a later start date, elimination of the OOC game or reintroduction of out-of-state OOC travel. ND will have been on-campus for 5-6 weeks, so Sept 12 should work for ND. Other schools are starting later, some much later.

If we don’t play Navy early, the likelihood will fall sharply, as it will be challenging to align dates given our 10 ACC games and their 8 AAC + Army + probably AFA. Incidentally, are we a higher-priority opponent for them than AFA? Don’t know.

I suspect it’s more likely that we play WMU than Navy. WMU is only 75 miles away, probably still wants to come even for sharply-reduced economics if the MAC’s paradigm allows and sits within the ACC guidelines. Or maybe we play somebody altogether different because ACC game dates create a schedule clash.

I do not think it will be difficult to find an 11th game for September given all the cancellations. Any MAC schools whose dates align would probably like to come. And there would be others. “Buy-game” economics will have plummeted with so many of the largest FBS programs out of the market and amid altered game-day economics. The traditional recipients will need the money more than ever.

Incidentally, I also do not think we should be lobbying the ACC for a scheduling waiver to be able to go to Annapolis in the immediate aftermath of having signed up for the deal announced this past Wednesday. I agree with Piertravir that makes us look bad and, candidly, the ACC should laugh at us if we press the topic so soon.