FSU and Miami/Georgia Tech/Clemson to the Big 12 would blow up the ACC and make it ripe for the picking. We know that the SEC wants to see how the Big10 and PAC 12 would react first, but the ACC exploding would make everything too good to pass up. In my opinion the SEC could easily grab Virginia Tech and North Carolina, some schools that provide the markets we want, and have legitimate athletic programs.

If we nab Virginia Tech and North Carolina we don't stay in East/West. To protect current rivalries (except Arkanansas/South Carolina which is stupid) We go to pods of 4 and a nine game schedule with a permanent rival in each pod, and rotate an additional opponent. You play everyone every three years.

Pod 1:
1.A&M
2.LSU
3.Miss State
4.Ole Miss

Pod 2:
1.Arkansas
2.Tennessee
3.Missouri
4.Vandy


Pod 3:
1.South Carolina
2.Alabama
3.Georgia
4.Auburn

Pod 4:
1.Virginia Tech
2.Florida
3.Kentucky
4.North Carolina

To read this match up the team with their corresponding number in each of the other pods.

For example: A&M its pod every year plus permanent rivals. Then play either the 2's 3's or 4's group in addition.

So a 9 game schedule would look like this for A&M(Year 1, Group 2): LSU, Ole Miss, Miss State, Arkansas, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida.

Can you imagine the Athletic Directors salivating over this for home tickets, and the TV deals? It would be insanely awesome.

Bringing in Va Tech will only strengthen the conference football wise.

Bringing in NC will only make the conference better basketball wise.

Makes sense.

Agree, we can make the Asstin snakes work for us - blow up the ACC, and then swoop in for the most attractive teams to join the premier college athletic conference.

I doubt the SEC could cherry pick VA Tech and UNC as Virginia Tech/Virginia and/or UNC/NC State could be package deals.

I could see the Big 10 targeting VA Tech and Virginia pretty hard too.

Explain how Va Tech can get away from Virginia after Virginia used every political favor it was owed from being a founding member of the ACC to get Va Tech into the ACC just 10 years ago? And if both Virginia schools are in play, why would UVa want to go to the SEC after it thumbed its nose to West Virginia for academic reasons when they could just easily go to the Big 10 and swim in a conference full of AAU members?

Explain how North Carolina, who is in the same university system as NC State and both share the same Board of Trustees, will ever be allowed to get away from NC State? This is not like UT and A&M where you have two different university systems, NC State and UNC are in the same system. How could the BoT politically survive if it destroys one in favor of the other? The capital of North Carolina is in Raleigh, not Chapel Hill.

Understand that the ACC is every bit as tradition deep and culturally intertwined as the SEC and we've seen what kind of ****storm is created when just talking about ending the permanent cross division opponent in the SEC. How exactly is the SEC going to pull this off and please don't say money, we know who in the ACC needs money (FSU and Maryland) and who doesn't (UVa, UNC, etc.)

Back to Maryland, that's who is vulnerable to being poached by the SEC, but I can't imagine why the SEC would want Maryland now after it passed on them to take Missouri last fall.

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we know who in the ACC needs money (FSU and Maryland) and who doesn't (UVa, UNC, etc.)

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Lemme guess, youre a liberal.

If the ACC blows up those "package deals" might have to break apart or their states will risk both programs falling into irrelevancy.

For Example, if the Big 12 and Big 10 both say no to a VT/Virginia package deal, then VT might as well join the SEC on its own.

Keep in mind that a lot of people mistakenly thought that the Texas politicians wouldn't let TAMU split from the other Texas schools. Political desires change over time. VT's move was what, 10 or so years ago? I wouldn't bet the house on VT & UVA being as politically tied as some think they are.

Now NCST is another matter. They are actually tied by their BOT. That may be a little trickier to overcome.

They're politically tied as long as it's in the school's best interest. If the schools will make money going to SEC + other conference, then they'll happen. This isn't like OU go to the PAC and leave OKST to Conference USA.

Pods and 9 game sxhedule

The University of Florida, University of Georgia for certain and possibly the University of South Carolina have agreements with the SEC not to admit in state rival schools. I'm highly skeptical this will proceed.

Ned, VPI is a great cultural fit with the SEC. UVa is not. VPI - southern, agricultural, engineering, military tradition, public. UVa -elitist, fratty, preppy, private.

VPI football - excellent.
UVa football - meh.

10 years ago? Ancient history.

That's why when VPI calls, Slive will answer.

[This message has been edited by ckwarren33 (edited 5/13/2012 3:12p).]

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The University of Florida, University of Georgia for certain and possibly the University of South Carolina have agreements with the SEC not to admit in state rival schools. I'm highly skeptical this will proceed.

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Were entering the age of super conferences. They will have to make concessions.

And my UNC contacts have always said it's UNC and Duke that are not going to split, not NC State. Which is fine with me. If the SEC gets them you now have the best conference across the board in all athletics, and suddenly the SEC is an academic heavyweight as well.


[This message has been edited by Sex Panther (edited 5/13/2012 3:30p).]

I always figured if the SEC went to four team pods, ours would geographically be:

1. A&M
2. LSU
3. Arkansas
4. Missouri

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I always figured if the SEC went to four team pods, ours would geographically be:

1. A&M
2. LSU
3. Arkansas
4. Missouri

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If the SEC ever goes to a pod system (and I say if because I still think it is more likely that they'll stick with divisions), I think you're right. I think it'll be those four in a pod, the Alabama & Mississippi schools in a pod, then some division of the eastern schools with the TN schools being together in one pod, and UF & UGA being together in a pod (maybe they'll even be in a pod together).

If VT and FSU join, I could see UF, FSU, UGA, and USCe being in a pod; and VT, UT, Vandy, and UK being in one. Or UF, FSU, UT, and Vandy being in one; and UGA, USCe, VT, and UK being in one. The east could be divided up in a number of ways depending on who joins.

[This message has been edited by Bamatab (edited 5/13/2012 4:46p).]

You should think rival over geographical perhaps...?

Bama should have the vols in their pod IMO... simplifies the system for the rivalry minded fans.

I'm gonna figure it's only a matter of time before we in the SEC land Va Tech and any combination of other schools.

Even if FSU were to leave the ACC the SEC is still unlikely to pursue any ACC members. The ACC is currently functioning as the SEC's wingman on policy matters. Slive is highly unlikely to make any kind of play on the ACC that would weaken it.

VT and UVA aren't necessarily a package deal, but VT's academia are quite happy in the ACC. They have always had a number of ties to the universities in that area. They were very emphatic about maintaining their status in the ACC in the last go-around. I doubt FSU's inclusion matters to them. The NC schools are pretty much all pipe dreams sans ECU and I'm sure the SEC isn't that desperate. NCSt. might be the closest thing to low-hanging fruit of the bunch, but it is still one of the schools around which the power structure of the ACC is built. Virginia is a brilliant school, but they're essentially part of those 4 schools in Carolina. The only ones that might consider the SEC are Clemson, GT, Maryland, & FSU. I would love to have GT back in the SEC again. It just ain't gonna' happen and that has nothing to do with Georgia or its desires. The rest of the conference likes there only being one big-time program in Georgia. Makes recruiting easier in the 2nd best state for elite talent in the country. Clemson serves no purpose. It's Auburn with a lake... and we have enough Auburns thank you very much. FSU would be a great get, but they didn't want to be in the SEC this last time. Why would they change their minds now? Maryland would also be a great get, but would they come?

Ultimately, I would personally like to see the SEC & ACC take in the Oklahoma's (SEC) & ND/WVU (ACC), then go the B1G/P12 route and require one game vs. each. That would give the SEC more inroads in markets from Houston to St. Louis & from Miami to Boston.

cooperjkk, I saw a pod plan that someone proposed where each team would get a permenant opponent from each of the other pods and then rotate through the rest. In that scenario, Bama and UT could still play every year.

[This message has been edited by Bamatab (edited 5/13/2012 8:40p).]

VPI's happiness in the ACC 10 years ago has little bearing on the school's opportunities today, including its evaluation of the SEC.

(1) SEC is much better academically than 10 years ago, if for no other reason than by adding A&M and Mizzou
(2) ACC is leaning more toward basketball than it did 10 years ago. VPI is a football-first school.
(3) New ACC TV contract looks a lot like loose skin and old balz.
(4) Next SEC TV contract will be an earth shaker record-breaker.

quote:

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FSU would be a great get, but they didn't want to be in the SEC this last time.

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How do you know FSU didn't want to be in the SEC this last time? I don't think they were ever invited. The SEC wanted new tv markets and AAU institutions to boost the academic prestige of the SEC. Plus I think there is some credence to the alleged UF, UGA, & USCe alliance.

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VPI is a great cultural fit with the SEC. UVa is not. VPI - southern, agricultural, engineering, military tradition, public. UVa -elitist, fratty, preppy, private.

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Firstly: UVA is most certainly a public university.

Secondly: How many SEC campuses have you actually ever been on? Fratty and Preppy are damn near constants, and Elitism often isn't far behind. There is a lot of old money at a lot of SEC schools, and greek life runs wide and deep. Also: Sperrys & croakies. Finally: see Vanderbilt.

[This message has been edited by GregZeppelin (edited 5/13/2012 9:13p).]

I stand corrected on UVa being public.

I've been on the UVa campus enough to have an informed opinion.

Greg's may be different.

Life goes on.


[This message has been edited by ckwarren33 (edited 5/13/2012 10:20p).]

Greg is absolutely correct

OK guys, here are some stats to back my argument that UVa is more elitest and preppy/Greek than VPI. 30% of UVa undergrads are Greek compared to 11% for VPI. UVa accepts 32% of those who apply undergrad, compared to VPI, which accepts 67%. UVa is suburban, VPI is rural. UVa lacks the traditions of military service and agriculture that VPI has. As anyone who's spent time on the A&M campus can attest, the military and agriculture influences down-regulate the elitest-preppy-Greek factor.

Greg and Sex Panther don't have a clue about the areas surrounding Blacksburg and Charlottesville. Ever heard of Radford, VA? How about Earlysville, VA? Both are very small towns within 15 miles of VPI and UVa, respectively. One is demographically similar to Dime Box, TX. The other is full of $3MM and up English riding and foxhunting properties. The same forces that make Radford different from Earlysville contribute to the preppy elitism at UVa which I find lacking at VPI.

[This message has been edited by ckwarren33 (edited 5/13/2012 11:02p).]

For the NC and Duke crowd, why would the SEC add two basketball school who don't care about football to a football conference?

I doubt FSU would join Small Whatever, but I hope they do just to laugh at the rediculously incongruous/Conference USA-esque coverage map it will create.

I'm tired of hearing even the most neutral of writers and talk show hosts parrot the B12 talking points that the distance in the SEC will hurt our recruiting. As if tech, ku, kstate, and isu are really close. How many parents insist on going to every away game as it is?

quote:

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"It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man."

- Jack Handey

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quote:

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For the NC and Duke crowd, why would the SEC add two basketball school who don't care about football to a football conference?

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I dont understand why you would want to add more football schools? The SEC is hands down the best football conference, there is no arguing it, it's not even close... So why do you want it to get even tougher? I'd rather they add two basketball and academic powerhouses to make the SEC the best conference in everything.

I hate the SEC's stigma as a win at all costs, sports-first conference. It really bugs me. I know it's not as bad as it's reputation leads on, but I'd rather they do something to fix it. Duke and UNC are big time academic institutions. With the addition of those two, plus A&M and Mizzou, you cannot call the SEC inferior to the other conferences academically anymore. You can put us right up there with the Pac and Big 10.

Duke and UNC also makes the SEC the most dominant basketball conference, and strengthens its hold as the best baseball conference as well. You get those two, and there is no denying who the most powerful conference in everything is. It's the SEC hands down... Plus it's two teams we should regularly beat in football, something that would be pretty nice when running the gauntlet every fall.

Edit: UNC and Duke also bring in a new geographical footprint, and despite them being lackluster in football (really only Duke, UNC isn't that bad at all) Their basketball teams are worth a fortune. I know for a fact that UNC was the most valuable property for Learfield Sports, over A&M and Florida.

[This message has been edited by Sex Panther (edited 5/14/2012 12:08a).]

CK, what in the world are you talking about?

Nobody is arguing that UVA is more elitist and preppy than Va Tech. Everybody knows that...

And you're not describing Va Tech as being a fit with the SEC... you're describing it as being a fit with Texas A&M.

A&M is not like the other SEC schools. They aren't military institutions. They are exactly like Greg described them. Greek life dominates 90% of the schools. That is elitism at it's finest, and most of the schools are fueled by old money.

UVA probably fancies themselves though as more of an Ivy League school. Not sure they care enough about sports to want to go to the SEC... but they are certainly a cultural fit with the antebellum south.

[This message has been edited by Sex Panther (edited 5/14/2012 12:04a).]

Expansion will be about cable boxes, that means new, populous states.
The second consideration will be academics.
UNC will go big10 before SEC, as would Duke.
FSU, Clemson, GA tech, none of them bring cable boxes, 2 of the three don't upgrade academics.
Oklahoma brings a national name and is a possibility for that reason, but they dont bring cable boxes in a small state and don't bring academics. Plus they would shut eastern expansion out because OSU would probably be a package deal.
So that makes NCSU and VA tech the best possibilities.
In order of desire I would say:
UNC/Duke - won't happen.
NCSU ( only because to get VPI and have a skipped state in our footprint would look bad, but on merit VPI is higher).
VPI
Oklahoma
Maryland
---------------------------------- below this cutoff it might not be worth it unless there was a rush to 16 or another strategic reason:
FSU
GA Tech
Clemson
Louisville

for some reason i dont see pod 3 signing off on that

CK you are right. I went to VPI my freshman (Rat) year and your characterization of the differences between Va. Tech and UVA are spot on. VPI would be a good fit for the SEC.

why is it assumed the ACC blows up if Clemson and FSU split? This just makes it even more of a basketball conference. Nothing changes.

Oragator's list of desireables is just as my own. I'd LOVE to get UNC/Duke to balance out the conference athletics & they're both powerhouses academically. But not gonna happen.
This means it will always be NCSU & VTech. However, those are both easier said than done. I'd be surprised if either moved.

Again, I think the ACC stays intact even if a few schools defect. And for those saying Gtech, Clemson, FSU should be on the table, then you're fine with letting tu in later? I think not. Forget that idea and forget any other state school coming in that is already in our footprint unless their in-state rival blesses it (which won't happen).

ckwarren33 is correct!

UVA is a private school that is public in title only.

They look and act like an Ivy that just happens to be in ACC land. The disdain they have for VT and VMI are obvious, and it appears as tho their poo does not stink like normal folks. (at least to certain UVA folks)

I think they have a Top 5 all time schools that fail in football who should be good except they really do not care. For folks from the state of VA who get in, it does not mean they get the same social possibilities as the gentry from the rest of the country who tolerate them. Like Duke, it is a dual school in that some just party on daddy's nickel and the other part is a good academic school. This does not mean that either side interacts with the other on a daily basis.