if money isn't the issue it doesn't matter if Notre Dame gets some guaranteed money each year they don't go and we don't have a guaranteed payout.

what is the goal? A BCS game? We can still get it though it isn't as easy as it is for some. National Title? same access as anyone. You are also assuming that when the contract is up that we couldn't get some improved guarantee (e.g. autobid if top 6 or something).

I personally prefer the big 12. That doesn't mean that a decision against it for whatever reason means they aren't committed. It may or may not be the right decision, but plenty of committed people make bad decisions all the time.