TLDR: The landscape changed, yet there are still ongoing discussions.

I personally don't have an issue with how the return Notre Dame game has been played out.

When BYU went Indy, ND put us on the Independence map of sustainability. Their name and brand helped us establish a new model of which we had no prior experience, nor leverage. We were at the mercy of anyone willing to schedule us, mostly on their terms. Good teams (or teams with rich history) required 2-1. Keep in mind schedules are set years in advance. For ND to add us so quickly was a bit of a miracle.

The terms of the deal were 2-1 in ND's favor. There was a buyout clause that was agreed to by both parties. We don't do many 2-1 deals anymore. They are either 1-1 or 1-1-1. We have paid it forward with other teams seeking independence (UMass and Liberty).

Notre Dame has three current annual rivals in USC, Navy and Stanford. Year in an year out they typically play these teams. They have previous rivalries with Michigan State and Purdue. Traditionally you could throw in Boston College, Michigan, Army and Pitt. They often schedule Air Force, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Miami, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern and Penn State.

Adding BYU to their slate was a boon to BYU at a time of need.

Since then, ND signed a conference affiliation with the ACC. This meant their number of games available to be scheduled went from 12 to 7 since their ACC affiliation takes 5 games away. Add in the 3 current rivalries and that makes 4 games available to schedule.

Either team could contractually make the call to have the original game bought out. However, they have remained in discussions to see if the game can eventually be played. The earliest it could be played would be 2022 unless other games were moved.

Is it better to have the game bought out or played? I'd rather see the game played. If they are not open to a BYU Home game, would I prefer the N game to be in Las Vegas? You bet (perhaps after the Raiders stadium is built). Would I go to a game in Detroit? Yes.

Sometimes fans look to ND with disdain for how this game has been handled. But their position is exactly where we want to be: independent with conference affiliation to gain access to P5 scheduling, P5 bowl affiliation and access to NY6/Playoffs.

I trust Tom will do whatever he can to ensure the game is played, and do so on terms that provide value to the BYU fan experience.