The fact that we’re playing the game makes the last part kind of obvious. That’s true of any game we play or decision we make. It doesn’t by default make them good decisions. Like you said, there is certainly an upside. Apparently the decision makers liked it.

I don’t consider it whiny to simply say “We had an away away home arrangement. We both have an opening this week… we’ve done our part, so why not come to Provo? If that’s not good for you, we understand. Let’s exercise the buy out and move on.“ I think one can objectively state that we come off looking rather weak and took the short end of the stick on this deal.

If we win, it’ll prove to be a great thing for the program. It’s just not a gamble in which the odds particularly favor us. I expect that we will walk away holding a nice check while Notre Dame holds 3 wins at our expense, having successfully tilted the deck in their own favor. Doesn’t seem like a great bargain. I hope I’m wrong.