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Conference shake ups….again?

The guy from Houston that first broke this now says the SEC has reached out to 4 other schools with the idea of a 20 team superconference:
Ohio State, Michigan, Florida State, Clemson.

I honestly think this is where things are gonna go. At the end of the day everything is about money. Honestly why does a football program like Clemson (or Ohio State or Michigan or Alabama…) need to be in a conference? Why not just negotiate your own tv deal like ND?
 
The guy from Houston that first broke this now says the SEC has reached out to 4 other schools with the idea of a 20 team superconference:
Ohio State, Michigan, Florida State, Clemson.
I have no idea what will happen but I believe they're all looking to maximize their profits. It's horrible for college football in the long run but great for those schools. They get a bigger and bigger piece of the pie to divide.

As far as the playoffs go, it's expanding, and also, those teams would have a massive SOS advantage over every other league. They'd have a legitimate (but teeth-grinding for the rest of us) argument for a 2-loss SEC team getting in over some undefeated teams from the remainder. Big Ten would probably be the 2nd best league but miles behind without OSU/Michigan.

It's all speculation. Who knows, maybe Texas/Oklahoma get cold feet again, like they did when they were almost in the PAC, and then all the expansion talk dies off. It's 1,000 miles from Austin to Gainesville, and that's a long way to ship the Lacrosse and Rifle team.

I guess we'll find out the truth if/when they all sign on the dotted line, just like on National Signing Day!
 
I still think the SEC is heading for a bloodbath. You got to have a number of doormats where your team can take a breather during the season. I don't see it with the SEC now adding two more tough games a week. It looks crazy to me.
 
To be absolutely honest, after reading some contractual clauses I cant imagine the SEC making the attempt on two ACC teams OR two Big10 teams.
Those contracts are extremely prohibitive of that.

I never thought I would see the Texas/Oklahoma jump either.

And has been said....it hasn't happened yet.
 
I still think the SEC is heading for a bloodbath. You got to have a number of doormats where your team can take a breather during the season. I don't see it with the SEC now adding two more tough games a week. It looks crazy to me.
Yeah. I know. 9 game conference schedule. It does allow three OOC games. It seems the thought is there will be a 12 team playoff, and the SEC wants as many of those slots as it can get...and they are willing to point at degree of difficulty of schedule over record.
Just an example...would you take a 2 loss Oklahoma who lose to Alabama and Georgia but beat aTm, LSU, Florida and everyone else or a 1 loss Memphis?

All about money and more money.
 
From the main board, someone stated that ESPN said the ACC was in contact with WVU, Cincy and Navy. But they didnt provide a source and I couldnt find one unless its a video which I did not watch.
 
Yes but with so many high quality teams, it could end up with a conference champion with two loses. It will cut down on the teams able to get into the playoffs. That is why I called it a bloodbath. I think your putting too much confidence in your conference brand name. I guess you could break away and play for your own National Championship? You know the ACC could add two new teams and keep ND as a part member in football. I think that's why Jack Swarbrick signed off on the 12 team playoff. ND has more drawing power than WV, Cincy, and Navy combined.
 
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From the main board, someone stated that ESPN said the ACC was in contact with WVU, Cincy and Navy. But they didnt provide a source and I couldnt find one unless its a video which I did not watch.
WVU and Cincy get us to 16 teams. Adds a more midwestern element. The other Big 12 teams are kinda far off. Iowa State would be kinda close to us.

UCF wouldn't add much since we already have FSU. Memphis State, gross, but they have money and decent programs. Temple is interesting. We already have Pitt, but the Philly market could be broken into. Temple has solid programs and maybe a little more money could make them relevant. Although that's a huge stretch. UConn stinks in football, but they're a fit in terms of adding a NYC market. That's a wealthy area. Their men's and women's basketball are a HUGE brand. UConn women's adds value to our rights packages for out of season? Cuse, Pitt, and BC are natural rivals

I'd probably go all in on Baylor if there was a team. They have plenty of money and probably don't care about travel if it meant national relevance.

My rankings for ACC expansion?
1. WVU
2. Baylor
3. Cincy
4. UConn
5. Temple
 
I have no interest in Baylor or Temple, Baylor had a good program but that is way to far out there. Temple is nothing in regards to the sports world I see no value in adding them. They don’t even have a great viewership in Philadelphia. The only thing UConn brings is women’s basketball and I don’t know if that is enough. I don’t think they even have a football team anymore.
 
This past week has shown anything is possible.
If Notre Dame is not interested in conference alignment more than it already is, then it would seem that
A returning West Virginia plus Cincinatti would be a logical move.

But let's be real....Notre Dame is in a position where they definitely have money already, and it doesnt split it 17 or 18 directions....and as long as they are in the conversation of top or elite teams, I'm not sure what benefit they would have. I think the Big 10 already plays 10 conference games, and I dont know that the Irish want that kind of schedule from here till infinity when they are a more than attractive opponent for any school.

There are tons of rumors right now coming from everywhere....including Kansas and Oklahoma State sending out feelers to the Big 10.

This is a 'who knows?' scenario. The longer it rolls it may turn into 'who cares?'
 
And just to throw in when we talk of expandability....
The Universty of Central Florida is the largest school in the state.
Florida is 5th
Florida State is 8th.

So when looking at prospects, a school with 20,000 more students than the big name state schools isnt the normal 'compass direction U."
 
What people don't seem to understand is that it's not about the money with ND. ND would make more money as a member of the ACC than they do now. It's independence is more precious than gold to them, alumni, and fans. Their independence was bought in the adversity that made ND who they are today. WE'LL see how it all plays out.
 
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It’s after 3p EST and nobody has announced squat or it would be all over this board.

Maybe “nothing” will be announced.
 
And just to throw in when we talk of expandability....
The Universty of Central Florida is the largest school in the state.
Florida is 5th
Florida State is 8th.

So when looking at prospects, a school with 20,000 more students than the big name state schools isnt the normal 'compass direction U."
But do they bring ratings? Do they have big donors?

They're in a stadium that seats just under 45,000. They only moved to Division 1 in 1996. And they're in a state competing with FSU, Florida, and Miami. Not to mention USF, FIU, & FAU aren't that far off of them in terms of size and impact.

FSU gets the Florida/National market. For good measure, Miami covers that large market alone. I don't think UCF would give the ACC anything new.
 
Texas and Oklahoma announced they would not be renewing contracts when they end in 25.
Texas A&M announced something along the line of as the pacesetters of Texas football in the SEC, they were looking forward to many more years in the best sports conference....in other words, Sankey called and said "you've made this much money, we plan on you making this much more money, or you can leave.

General consensus is attorneys from all sides will meet to determine a lesser exit fee. Staying 4 more years is kind of untenable.
My opinion is Texas and Oklahoma are hoping one more team leaves, the conference folds, and media rights no longer exist to a defunct Big 12.
Rumor odds are on West Virginia, perhaps Oklahoma State.
But Kansas to the big 10 has also been thrown out there.
 
This speculation is interesting, but I have a sense that NILand SEC expansion are not coincidental, but rather a part of a movement that will change college sports forever, and ultimately eliminate the NCAA. Revenues will dictate everything, and those who cannot bring financial value will be out of the picture.
 
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This speculation is interesting, but I have a sense that NILand SEC expansion are not coincidental, but rather a part of a movement that will change college sports forever, and ultimately eliminate the NCAA. Revenues will dictate everything, and those who cannot bring financial value will be out of the picture.
And since this whole conference expansion and reorganization deal is being driven by “bucks” I have to wonder about the WFs, Vandy’s (and others) of the world. Actually I feel pretty good about where UofL is in all of this, thankful for Dr. Ramsey’s and Tom Jurich’s time here. Without those two I have very serious doubts about our involvement in all of this. Let the chips fall where they may so long as the current academic and athletic administration are being proactive.

GO CARDS!!!
 
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There will be continued rumors and speculations until this all gets 'done', whether in 2022 or 2025.
West Virginia is a name bounced a lot...GENERALLY to the ACC.
Yesterday afternoon a tweet that OKState had reached out to the Big 10.

And of course, everybody wants to see if the Irish pull the trigger to either the Big10 or the ACC. Since Notre Dame has already been working with the ACC in many aspects, that's the consensus conference they would lean to joining...but really I'm not sure why at this time....they already make excellent money and play a very competitive season schedule.

Just me (and only me)...I think if the ACC adds two it would be West Virginia and Cincinatti. Gives the league a familiar foe to many and opens up the Ohio/Midwest area to recruiting.
 
I don’t think ND will ever go to the B1G there is a lot of bad history between the 2. If ND goes anywhere it will be to the ACC, there are plenty of east coast schools that they like and they are already familiar with half the schools because of the Big East conference.
 
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There is an internet click bait story out there that WVU would "prefer" the ACC should the Big whatever collapse.
Also report from Notre Dame that they are "cognizant of the situation".
 
I think the ACC could be crazy to walk away from ND in 2037 even if ND wants to remain a partial member. There's no rule that says they can't and ND has been a very good member of the ACC. I've always said 2 fifths of a delicious pie is better than none. ND will never join the BIG or SEC.
 
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I think the ACC could be crazy to walk away from ND in 2037 even if ND wants to remain a partial member. There's no rule that says they can't and ND has been a very good member of the ACC. I've always said 2 fifths of a delicious pie is better than none. ND will never join the BIG or SEC.
It really depends on the next few weeks.

So say the Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12 all move towards 16 team conferences. That will mean every conference now will probably play 9 in conference games instead of 8. And, it will make ALL of those conference much tougher. It's going to be HARDER for ND to get out of conference games.

The agreement they have with us will work, but just say Stanford, USC, etc. all say they don't want the game anymore. Oklahoma and others may not want to play anymore. IT may get to a point no one outside of the ACC will want to play ball with ND.

Not to mention, if we got to a 9 game league schedule, how fair will our teams like it that they'll only have 2 non-conference games the year they play ND. Think about it, we could play 9 ACC games, sUcKs, and ND and only get to play 1 cupcake. I mean yeah bring it on, but that's much tougher.

My long rambling point is that this new playoff and conference structure will make it where ND may have a tougher time finding games that matter and NBC may not like that as much. So it may force them to make a move into a super conference.
 
FSU and Clemson are both large, public funded schools, with large alumni and boosters to support. FSU is still the largest revenue producer in the ACC. Why would they stay if the answer is adding UCF, Cincinnati or the leftovers of the BIG12? Other than Clemson, OSU and FSU are the only non-SEC team to win a College Football title in the last decade. They are not really ACC Schools when you consider the makeup of small, private schools and the larger state schools don't care as much about football. Ever been to their stadiums?

The ACC needs ND to join this year, if not, it is just a matter of time before Clemson and FSU leave and the ACC is a basketball conference. They would be smart then to grab WVU, Kansas, and Cincinnati and hope basketball revenue keeps them above the American and CUSA.
 
FSU and Clemson are both large, public funded schools, with large alumni and boosters to support. FSU is still the largest revenue producer in the ACC. Why would they stay if the answer is adding UCF, Cincinnati or the leftovers of the BIG12? Other than Clemson, OSU and FSU are the only non-SEC team to win a College Football title in the last decade. They are not really ACC Schools when you consider the makeup of small, private schools and the larger state schools don't care as much about football. Ever been to their stadiums?

The ACC needs ND to join this year, if not, it is just a matter of time before Clemson and FSU leave and the ACC is a basketball conference. They would be smart then to grab WVU, Kansas, and Cincinnati and hope basketball revenue keeps them above the American and CUSA.
If you can have an ACC with FSU, ND, Clemson, Miami, and Va Tech all as strong programs fighting it out for playoff spots, then the league will survive. All strong brands that have been national title contenders that have competed for titles at some point over the last 20-25 years.

Then say Ga Tech and UNC can be stronger contenders, that can make it much much better. GT needs to get into gear as well as they're in the BEST recruiting area in the nation and play in Atlanta.

This is where the league has to be AGGRESSIVE.
Go out and FIGHT for ND now. Who cares what incentives you have to give them, get them signed up.
Go tell FSU that if Norvell isn't turning it around that they need an ELITE hire and to break the bank.
Force Miami and Va Tech to push for excellence. League pressure and help can get them to fly right.

What the SEC super conference will do is give those schools way more $$$$ and exposure. It will matter to recruits for NIL and NFL if everyone flocks there and sees it as the NFL minor league. The Big Ten is gonna fight hard to make sure they don't fall behind either and they're going to poach.

We have to hold our league together.
 
IF Notre Dame joins a league now existing, then the ACC is the logical choice....academically, geographically, and for economics.
In a 9 game schedule, Notre Dame would be able to keep a military academy, USC, Michigan....if they wish.
The Big 12 is too far, the SEC isnt in anly equation I've seen, the Big 10 has some bad history.
It's all in their court.

One of these deals about even a 9 game SEC schedule is that there supposedly a requirement at least ONE of the 00C games is against a P5 school.
That in itself would open several doors for Notre Dame for a home and home with intriguing matchups...Alabama, Georgia, a future Oklahoma or LSU.
I think the Irish are in the drivers seat....for now.
 
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