Swofford: Notre Dame ‘In Mix’ if ACC Cancels Non-Conference Games

If the Atlantic Coast Conference follows suit with the Big Ten Conference’s decision to play only conference football games, Notre Dame would “likely,” still be able to play ACC teams, commissioner John Swofford told David Teel of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

#ACC commissioner John Swofford has said that if league adopts an all-conference football schedule for 2020, Notre Dame likely will be in mix. Irish already have six ACC opponents on docket.

— David Teel (@ByDavidTeel) July 9, 2020

Pitt is among the six ACC teams that Notre Dame is scheduled to play in 2020, with the Fighting Irish set to visit Heinz Field on Oct. 17.

Notre Dame also has games scheduled against Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Louisville and Wake Forest as part of its long-term scheduling alliance with the ACC for football. Notre Dame is an ACC member in all other sports that the conference sponsors.

The Irish already lost one game with the Big Ten’s decision to cancel its non-conference games. Notre Dame had been scheduled to play Wisconsin on Oct. 3.

If other conferences make similar decisions, it could be tough for independent schools to fill their schedules this fall.

The ACC has decided to push back the start of its fall sports season for all schools and teams to Sept. 1, a decision that did not impact any previously scheduled football games.