IMHO the route we need to go with that(barring Tex’s suggestion of inking a top-tier location first) is to negotiate with both the Cotton and Alamo bowls. Cotton because we have such a grand tradition and amazing success there and because of it’s trajectory as one of THE top bowls at THE top location in the country. Alamo because the momentum it’s been gaining the last 4-5 years. It started out as an afterthought joke bowl like Beef O’Brady and now it has the 2nd choice Pac-16 and the 3rd BXIII team. Both of which are outstanding matchups for a 7-win Irish. Add onto that that both games are in TEXAS(recruiting hotspot) and San Antonio is a huge ND town, it is a prime destination for us.

That’s working backwards. While I agree that we should definitely secure contracts with the “second tier” bowl games, you don’t start there.

Secure the big games, then filer down. Going in the opposite direction sends the wrong message to not only the ND fanbase (HEY LOOK, EVEN JACK THINKS WE SUCK!) but it also weakens the bargaining position when dealing with other bowls (Hey look, ND has awful top-tier bowl contracts, let’s fleece them!).

Finally, be aware that Jack has mentioned that such games are indeed on his radar, but wants to make sure this is taken care of first.

Sorry to be the one to point this out, but we haven’t finished the regular season with 9 wins since 2006. What about securing bowl agreements for years like the past few when we’re 6-6, 7-5, or 8-4?

I just assumed it was likely that an SEC team would still be selected for Fiesta, based on their history with the bowl. The SEC generally has a number of teams that qualify for BCS games. However, you’re right that it is up in the air. Either way, it would a great game to have a tie-in to.

If they don’t get a double tie-in, they could build in an option that the bowl can decide not to select Notre Dame even if we are eligible every x number of years. It is the opposite of Champs Sports Bowl tie-in where they can only pick us once. It creates the option so no one can say a bowl is stuck with us, but the reality is it is likely it will not get exercised, or if it does, it means we really should not be in that bowl.

None of this has to do with the current season. We are stuck through 2013 with BCS or bust. If you’re implying the bowls will not be interested in Notre Dame in the future unless we win 10 games this year, history contradicts this.

It could very will be the case that the Fiesta turns into a bowl game without any conference tie-ins at this rate.