Notre Dame’s outrageous payday from the College Football Playoff proves why it would be beyond foolish for the Irish to join a conference.

The biggest knock against Notre Dame football is that it is independent. The Fighting Irish not being affiliated with a conference has led many in the college football world to believe that the program gets preferential treatment. While that idea can still be (somewhat) up for debate, there is no denying that Notre Dame benefits far more from a monetary standpoint than other programs in today’s college football.

The Fighting Irish already have the benefit of an exclusive media rights deal with NBC that provides Notre Dame $50 million annually. While the Notre Dame – NBC partnership has been intact for more than 30 years, the new-look College Football Playoff and the absurd influx of cash involved truly makes the Irish one of one.

The CFB Playoff awards millions of dollars to each conference represented in the 12-team bracket. When it’s all said and done, those conferences will divide the amounts among schools as they see fit. With Notre Dame not being tied to a conference, it has the advantage of taking home every single dollar it earns.

According to Front Office Sports, Texas, Penn State, and Ohio State have earned $14 million for making it to the semifinals of the Playoff. Their dollars will go to the SEC and Big Ten, respectively, and spread throughout the conference.

Notre Dame has earned that exact same figure of $14 million and does not owe another team a penny of it. If the Irish beat Penn State and make it to the national championship game, it will earn another $6 million.

Notre Dame is raking in an unfathomable amount of money during its College Football Playoff run. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Given that this is the current landscape of college football, and the only change that could ever possibly come to the Playoff format is adding even more teams, Notre Dame will understandably look to remain independent of a conference.

Notre Dame has earned more throughout the Playoff than the ACC with SMU and Clemson earning $8 million as well as the Big 12 and Mountain West with Arizona State and Boise State taking home $8 million as well.

Oh, and it’s worth noting that travel expenses aren’t taken from these millions earned, conferences each get another $3 million per round to cover travel.

Dwight Howard Brutally Trolls 76ers Star Joel Embiid For His Flopping Skills

Dwight Howard and Joel Embiid (Images Credit: Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has established himself as one of the toughest players to guard in the NBA. By using his combination of size, strength, and skill, the 7-foot center has dominated opponents, leading the league in free throw attempts per game in three of the last four seasons. Despite Minnesota Timberwolves commentators’ criticism, his ability to draw fouls and exploit his physicality has made him a nightmare for defenders.

Former NBA star Dwight Howard recently shared his perspective on guarding Embiid during an appearance on the Thanalysis Show. When asked how he would approach defending Embiid, Howard laid out his strategy after trolling Embiid for his flopping skills.

“He is probably, I think, the toughest to guard because he knows how to flop. He knows how to use his size and his strength when he has to. He can shoot real well. If I was checking him, I would have to beat him up and down the court, not let him get easy points, don’t go for no pump fakes,” Howard said.

“Usually when he gets it in his left hand, he does it with his right, but he likes to left hesi to the pull-up. So, I would be right up on that. So, as soon as have it like this, I’m crowding his space because I know he’s either going to do like this and try to go around me,” he added.

Paul George Heaps High Praise On Joel Embiid After Win Over Brooklyn

The Philadelphia 76ers dominated the Brooklyn Nets with a 123-94 victory at Barclays Center, thanks to Joel Embiid’s stellar performance. After the game, his teammate Paul George admired the 2022-23 NBA MVP’s competitive spirit and leadership on the court.