I Don't See the ACC Breaking Up
Quote:
Originally Posted by
superdave
If the ACC "stands pat" then the SEC will poach a team or two, the Big Ten might grab Maryland and then we'll be adding WVU, Louisville and South Florida. That's the major risk - you wind up with a conference full of leftovers that gets the ACC dis-invited from having an automatic BCS berth.
Eat or be eaten...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
superdave
But what if a school thinks the ACC will collapse? Think George Costanza running over little kids to get out the door first when someone yelled "fire". Would Swofford be able to hold things together during that situation? He better have an offer of an up-graded ACC, right?
I, for one, believe the ACC is a very solid conference not in danger of losing any of its members. The seven founders have a deep and long-seated love for the conference. In addition, Virginia Tech, which palpably lusted for ACC membership for 50 years, and Georgia Tech, who left the SEC 40 years ago because of its gladiator mentality and lack of academic focus, are likely going anywhere else. Uh, that's nine teams. Miami loves the ACC -- "our peer schools," says Pres. Shalala. FSU could fit in anywhere -- I don't see the Seminoles getting an offer from the SEC (Florida would object), and I don't see how that gives them an easier route to a national championship. That leaves Boston College -- also a school with high admission standards -- which doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
Now, I'm the guy who believes there are a lot of "Purists" (my definition) in college athletics, who go misty-eyed at their conference rivalries. I also believe there is a lot of loyalty among the ADs, because college athletics is all about loyalty. And I believe both qualities are strongly present among the ACC schools.
Also, I don't think either the SEC or Big Ten would "raid" another conference. It would need to receive an application, as the Big Ten did from thoroughly disgruntled Nebraska, and the PAC-10 did from frustrated (and somewhat scared) Colorado. Texas A&M is begging to be let into the SEC. (And, of course, no bias towards the Aggies, but all of college sportsdom is hoping they will be left as a sobbing mass of protoplasm on the doorstep of the SEC.)
Now, this is my opinion.
sagegrouse
'You know I drafted similar message this AM, and it's not here. I must have let it time out on the "Preview Post" screen.'