take ND's $2 million and not play them as a de facto away game with fewer tickets than them. ND has rolled BYU in the past two games in South Bend (I think the Cougs at least have a fighting chance this year IF we can field a decent defense), but $1 million extra is chicken feed to get rolled on national TV in what should be a de facto home game for the Cougars, which means not being outnumbered in the stands. I don't understand why that is so unimportant.

So, yes, Holmoe should have taken the $2 million and find the best game he can if ND gave him a take-it-or-leave-it. This season is another brutal schedule, and it would not bother a bit me to pocket Notre Dame's $2 million and schedule a less physical game that is winnable and less bruising.