Now that cards have had a season to reflect on...How do you like the ACC?

[Tigertown_a_Rick]

First off, I would like to say that I'm glad that the Cards chose the ACC, and think that it was a great addition for our conference as a whole....

However, that is my opinion?

What is your opinion of the ACC, and what would you personally like to see the ACC do in the next several years?

1).Should the ACC revamp or realign the divisions?

2).The ACC Championship game has been played in Charlotte the last couple of years....Is that OK with Card fans, or would you guys like to see the game moved elsewhere(The championship game didn't do all that well, attendance wise, in Jacksonville or Tampa in the past)?

3).How soon would you like the ACC to start their own ACC Network?

4).What are your feelings about playing a future 9-game conference slate instead of the current 8-game conference setup?(As most have already probably read: North Carolina will be playing ACC foe Wake in the future as a non-conf opponent, and the primary reason is because the 2 teams seldom play each other under the current setup?)....Is this a good idea or not?

5).How would you feel about a future ACC that included Notre Dame and either West Virginia or Penn State to get to 16 ACC teams?

6). How would you feel about a future conference setup that included 4-team PODs instead of the present 2-division setup?

For the sake of argument, here's the 4 PODs that I think that would work?

Southern ACC POD
---------------------------
Miami
FSU
Ga. Tech
Clemson

Tobacco Road POD
----------------------------
Duke
Wake
UNC
NCST

Central ACC POD
-------------------------
Notre Dame
Louisville
UVA
Va. Tech

Northern ACC POD
----------------------------
Pittsburgh
WVA or Penn St.
Syracuse
Boston College

Again, teams would play the 3 teams from their POD each year, while playing 2 members from the other 3 PODs each season for a total of 9 conference games....Rotate to play the other 2 teams from the other 3 PODS every other season, so all conference teams play each other every 2 years?(This setup would eliminate the need for teams to play out-of-conference games against conference opponents?)....I haven't figured out yet how 2 teams would be selected for a championship game under the 4-POD setup, but I'm sure there are a lot of folks that are smarter than I am, who can figure that out?

Comments welcomed, and again welcome to the ACC!

 

[Steelers2012]

I won't/can't put enough thought into a response to satisfy all those questions

 

[Pervis_Griffith]

You have a lot to respond to here, and a lot of it well thought out ... This is a great post to re-visit in the slower, summer months. So, you may bring it back then. A lot of our fans are solidly in hoops mode now, and then we'll turn to baseball in the spring. SO, it's kinda "incomplete" as far as first year in the ACC goes.


But I doubt you'll find ANY U of L fans that would be disappointed with things.

To hit your points one by one -

--- LOVE the ACC, and so happy to be part of it. As far as next several years, get the network going would be about the only thing I think is pressing ...

1. I'm cool with the divisions the way they are set up.
2. Charlotte seems centrally located enough for the ACCC. ALthough I wouldn't be against an ACCC hosted by the highest ranked participant either.
3, ACC NEtwork -- as soon as practicably possible.
4. I prefer 8 conference games ... like the SEC. If conference members want to schedule out-of-conference games with conference members not on the schedule, that's fine with me too.
5. Notre Dame joining would be excellent. Maybe in time they will have to. NO thanks to West Virginia. I'd rather promote Cincinnati than steal the Mountain Yahoos. If Penn State is paochable, sure. But I don't think they are.
6. The way you outline the 4 pods, seems very doable.


Frankly, we're so new here, that I wouldn't mind things staying as they are for a while. We've been in 3 different conferences in 3 years, and it'd be nice to develop some stability, and no change for a decade or so.


Thanks for the post, and consider bringing it back when things are slower ... I bet it gets more play then.



.

 

[ajgcardman]

Under the current 4-team playoff format, I think we would be best suited to have our "highest-ranked" division champion host the championship game with one caveat....the visiting division champion should have the right to purchase 25% of the ticket allotment, to insure a nice fan following of the 2nd highest rated champ.

 

[Majestic Red]

Loved/loving it.

 

[zipp]

A picture says it best...

 

[beantowncard]

Delighted to be in the ACC. TJ has sure earned his keep with that move! As regards your questions,

The divisions are fine with me as is.
Charlotte is OK, but if you want good attendance pick one of the schools to play at home, or rotate it among sites (Fedex Field, MetLife Stadium, Charlotte, Miami, Gilette Stadium, and of course, PJCS!

Network? ASAP! I'd love to be able to watch no featured games/ sports, esp. Baseball.
9 game slate I don't like, because it's an unbalanced schedule. More power 5 non-conference games, maybe a deal with the SEC and another league.
ND is a pipe dream, but if they joined with PSU, I'm ok with it. Leave the Mounties out. Let them enjoy their trips to Lubbock. 4 team pods are ok, but wouldn't that mean a semifinal and then a final before the playoffs?

 

[Tigertown_a_Rick]

Originally posted by beantowncard:
Delighted to be in the ACC. TJ has sure earned his keep with that move! As regards your questions,

The divisions are fine with me as is.
Charlotte is OK, but if you want good attendance pick one of the schools to play at home, or rotate it among sites (Fedex Field, MetLife Stadium, Charlotte, Miami, Gilette Stadium, and of course, PJCS!

Network? ASAP! I'd love to be able to watch no featured games/ sports, esp. Baseball.
9 game slate I don't like, because it's an unbalanced schedule. More power 5 non-conference games, maybe a deal with the SEC and another league.
ND is a pipe dream, but if they joined with PSU, I'm ok with it. Leave the Mounties out. Let them enjoy their trips to Lubbock. 4 team pods are ok, but wouldn't that mean a semifinal and then a final before the playoffs?

Thanks for the response!

I'm not so certain that Notre Dame is the "pipe dream" that it once was because we are entering a new era of not just college D-1 football playoffs, but also an era where the Power-5 conferences have been given autonomy by the NCAA to make decisions in their best interest.....The P-5 has already been given the authority to decide their conference champions how they see fit, and the P-5 have already voted to award 4 yr scholarships to their student atheletes.....If Notre Dame were to make the football playoffs as an INDEPENDENT, I think that the playoffs would be expanded to 8 teams alot quicker because 2 or more P-5 champions would be left out of the playoffs under that scenario, and can you imagine the uproar from those conferences, when that happens?

Notre Dame's tradition was built in an era of Mythical National Champions who played in Mythical National title games based on the bias and voting of the National Media and Computers(Not in the beginning of course..lol)....Past Champions, which in some years were Multiple Champions, were crowned champions based on opinion and not on the field results in some cases....Whereas today, the current-day College Football D-1 Champion is determined on the field after claiming their respective P-5 conference title, which is the way all champions should be crowned.....4 P-5 teams played for the title this year, and each team was the champion of their respective P-5 conference....TCU and Baylor were determined by the B-12 to be Co-Champions of the Big12 conference, which is a label that eventually got both teams excluded from the new college football playoffs....

Seems that I read somewhere that the B1G has already decided to play only D-1 schools in the future, and I don't think that it's a stretch to think that the other P-5 conferences are not interested in doing the same in the future, which would also be a move IMO toward holding their own playoffs among the P-5 schools....Notre Dame would either be forced to join the ACC or one of the P-5 conferences, or they would be left to their own vices, while the P-5 conducts their own National Playoff.....I believe that is closer than a lot of us think, and I think the P-5 conferences are already positioning themselves to part ways with the NCAA, and start their own playoffs?.....There's just too much TV money on the table for that NOT to happen in the near future?.....This year 4 of the 5 Power-5 champions were included in the playoffs, but what will happen if current Independent Notre Dame or 2 SEC teams make the 4-team playoff, leaving 2 or 3 P-5 Champs out of the playoffs?.....Like I said, an 8-team playoff will happen sooner rather than later, and all it will take, is a scenario like that one to really shake things up.....Got my fingers crossed that it will happen very soon, and also got my fingers crossed that an ACC Network is right around the corner....Again, there's just too much money on the table for the ACC to go without a network for too much longer?

Again welcome to the ACC, and thanks for the response!

 

[zipp]

Tiger, sorry I just gave an animated cartoon in response to your list of insightful questions...

I don't have a lot to add in the way of new comments. I'd be open to most realignments--with or without divisions--done for good reasons. U of L fans generally want to play all of the best conference football teams like yourselves, FSU, etc. But every team can't have that privilege.

I prefer NOT to go many years without playing one team at all. Better to rotate through all of the teams as often as possible. As newcomers, we should be respectful of the intra-conference rivalries if those schools want them respected.

U of L doesn't really have any natural ACC rivals, so it's kinda contrived to appoint one for us like UVA. They probably feel the same way about us. Better to let that be one more opportunity annually to play another/different ACC school.

Like you, I think the worm is slowly turning for Notre Dame. And the driving force will indeed be their participation in the national championship. I'm not a Notre Dame hater, and I'd be open to a tailored financial arrangement that accommodates them. They won't want to lose money joining a conference and giving up their own national TV contract. With eight conference games and lock-ins with teams like Boston College and Pitt, ND can play enough traditional teams to appease their fanbase.

With Notre Dame in the conference, however, I'm not sure about nine conference games. A more likely add to the ACC would be a team like Navy which would also placate ND. Maybe that would be the prerequisite to secure ND and nine conference games.

The ACC network seems like a no-brainer.

Again, we're ecstatic to be in the ACC with you guys. It's like a dream-come-true for most U of L folks. If we could have picked a conference to be invited to, it would have been the ACC. Can't wait to welcome you guys up this way in the Fall!!

 

[dldinatl]

1. Teams rise and fall, what was a good Miami and VT team will return to compete with Clemson and FSU. I wouldn't worry to much about divisions. A few years ago it was the SEC east making the west look sad.

2. I think it would be best for fans if it rotated between 2 maybe 3 spots. Not that Charlotte isn't a nice city but its a far cry from a travel destination.

3. Acc network, immediately

4. I like 9 conference games. I am also on the side of eliminating any teams outside of the power 5. We wanted to have exclusion, well act like it and play each other. The SEC especially has made a living beating up on weak out of conference foes. I want to say until last year or the year before Florida hadn't played an out of conference game outside of the state of Florida in a very long time. That's pathetic.

5. Penn St yes. Most UofL fans despise WV after all the conference realignment. Personally I hope their program dies when the Big12-3 does.

6. Not sure on the Pod idea, however I am for anything that means we get to play the other teams more often. For me I would want both Miami and FSU on the schedule every single year. All others I wouldn't mind rotating. Nothing against Clemson, but we don't recruit that area like we do Florida.

Since there is a huge layoff prior to bowl season, add an addition conference game there. The 4 pod leaders play against one another in 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3 mini playoff to get to the ACC championship game. Pro's can manage 16 games, Div 2 even plays more once you consider the huge playoff they use. No reason the so-called best teams in college could not.

This post was edited on 1/29 7:42 AM by dldinatl

 

[Guardman]

I could answer in great depth on all these, but the only point I would like to get specific about is scheduling.

I strongly prefer a "divisionless" format which has a fully- rotating - fully- processional schedule format. No Championship game, unless one is later permitted by rules.

For ease of understanding, all 14 teams would play each other exactly 8 times in a 13 year period. Therefore there are "No rivals" and "All are equal rivals".

The longest interval BETWEEN any two opponents playing each other would be ONE non-playing season.

Every team would play every other team 2 times in any 3 year period.

 

[EasyCard]

A simple post response can't explain the jubilance Card Nation feels towards joining the ACC. Not only does the ACC bring conference stability which Louisville has never had, Louisville and the ACC is a natural fit for our entire ath program. I would even say if offered any conference membership, Louisville would choose the ACC.

1. Louisville first concern with alignments is to insure an undefeated team makes it into the Playoff. This last season proves the current structure is good enough to ensure this. No need to change. Pod system only works with expansion and I don't see this happening for awhile. Northern ACC schools will be reluctant to design pods according to geography. Pitt,Lou,BC,ND or UC rely to heavily on southern recruiting. Having annual conference games in the South is a big deal, esp Louisville in the state of FL.

2. Charlotte is easy to fly to from Louisville. If it did change I wouldn't mind Raymond James in Tampa. ACC doesn't have a bowl game in Tampa and the largest alumni group outside of KY is in Tampa. Louisvillians vacation/retire mostly on the gulf side of Florida. Southwest has daily direct flights to Tampa.

3. In the past Louisville biggest problem regarding scheduling is finding quality home/home games. Quality programs are hesitant to schedule Louisville based on lack of benefits to recruiting and the chances of losing. It's hard enough to schedule a ranked team much less 2 good teams. Having 9 conference games would ease this burden. Plus, it would eliminate the away game to a less quality team or paying 1/2-1 mil for a home game. No more away games at Marshall or FIU.

This post was edited on 1/29 9:56 AM by EasyCard

 

[ccotney]

ACC has tried the Tampa and Jacksonville for title games. DOES NOT WORK. I went to the 2009 ACC title game vs GT and it was sad.

2011 game vs VT in Charlotte had a lot better turnout. Place was packed.

A lot of the turnout has to do with the teams and matchups they bring.

 

[Mike'sMarbles]

I love the ACC. Playing teams like FSU, Clemson, Miami, and Notre Dame is just great.

My dream would be to have all 4 of those teams on the schedule every single year, somehow. I know that's not realistic.

I'd like to see all of the teams play each other more often. A player should at least have 1 home and 1 away game against every ACC team during a 4-year career. I don't care if they have to add 9 or 10 games.

There really is no downside to being in the ACC over what Louisville had before, from what I can see. Maybe missing rivalries like Cincinnati, but UofL can always schedule them OOC.

 

[cardsfan53]

Originally posted by ajgcardman:
Under the current 4-team playoff format, I think we would be best suited to have our "highest-ranked" division champion host the championship game with one caveat....the visiting division champion should have the right to purchase 25% of the ticket allotment, to insure a nice fan following of the 2nd highest rated champ.

This is good to give our top team the best chance to make it to the 4 team playoff. I will bet money next year the committee will try their best to get 2 SEC teams in the playoffs.

 

[DaytonCard]

Love the ACC, it is a natural fit.
1. Keep it as is.
2. It is an easy drive for us, kept it in Charlotte
3. Start it as soon as possible.
4. Since we are new we do not have a must play team. I enjoy playing every team.
5. N.D. is fine but NO to WVU, terrible fan base. Penn State will not leave the Big 10.
6. I am not for the POD's.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Would just like to add that I believe the OP is a Carolina fan, not a Clemson fan

But anyway, there's a lot of good discussion on this thread. I'm really glad to have Louisville in the ACC. As y'all probably can tell by now, the ACC puts a very strong emphasis on ALL sports, not just football and basketball. ACC programs are perennial title challengers in men's/women's soccer, men's/women's lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, etc. And I've learned in the past 3-4 years that Louisville shares this vision -- y'all care about all of your sports, not just football. From that standpoint, ACC and U of L are excellent matches.

What are y'alls thoughts on your schedule for this year since it was just released?

EDITED TO ADD: Just looked.....dang y'all have a challenging schedule this season, IMO! Obviously the opener against Auburn which was known, but your first 3 ACC games are Clemson, at Moo, and at Florida State? Holy moly!


This post was edited on 1/30 8:15 AM by TarHeelNation11

 

[Tigertown_a_Rick]

Originally posted by TarHeelNation11:
Would just like to add that I believe the OP is a Carolina fan, not a Clemson fan

But anyway, there's a lot of good discussion on this thread. I'm really glad to have Louisville in the ACC. As y'all probably can tell by now, the ACC puts a very strong emphasis on ALL sports, not just football and basketball. ACC programs are perennial title challengers in men's/women's soccer, men's/women's lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, etc. And I've learned in the past 3-4 years that Louisville shares this vision -- y'all care about all of your sports, not just football. From that standpoint, ACC and U of L are excellent matches.

What are y'alls thoughts on your schedule for this year since it was just released?

EDITED TO ADD: Just looked.....dang y'all have a challenging schedule this season, IMO! Obviously the opener against Auburn which was known, but your first 3 ACC games are Clemson, at Moo, and at Florida State? Holy moly!



This post was edited on 1/30 8:15 AM by TarHeelNation11

Thanks for the clarification, THN-11!

I'm surrounded by Clemson Tiger fans where I live in this part of N.C., and my local high school team are also Tigers....It's the ONLY Tiger team that I root for, and I've always been a Carolina fan....A North Carolina Tarheel fan that is for any Gamecocks out there who are trying to claim the "Carolina" moniker for their team...lol!

Have to agree that the Cards' football schedule for this fall is very challenging!

Also agree with all of THN-11's post as he is 100% right about the ACC and all the other sports!

Again, welcome to the ACC!

 

[Lawyer Mike]

not a Card but to chime into the OP.

Dont think you would get ND in if you put them in a pod with VT, UL, UVA... not a very natural fit. I don't think you can do it purly geografically but I would give them Pitt, BC, ??

 

[shaggy106]

Love the ACC!! And Love it even more that the WVU is not in the ACC!!! Hate their program, and their UK attitude like fan base!!! Would love for Penn St to join.

 

[Naga Saki]

Originally posted by Tigertown@Rick:
First off, I would like to say that I'm glad that the Cards chose the ACC, and think that it was a great addition for our conference as a whole....

Choosing the ACC over what? The AAC or possibly the Big 12, that was a no brainer, we had our hat in hand and you guys gave us a dream come true.

1).Should the ACC revamp or realign the divisions?

I am too giddy just being part of the conference to care, really.

2).The ACC Championship game has been played in Charlotte the last couple of years....Is that OK with Card fans, or would you guys like to see the game moved elsewhere(The championship game didn't do all that well, attendance wise, in Jacksonville or Tampa in the past)?

Rotate it between sites, to keep it fresh, possibly 4 different sites. Charlotte, Jax, Tampa, and Atl.

3).How soon would you like the ACC to start their own ACC Network?

Meh, dont care.

4).What are your feelings about playing a future 9-game conference slate instead of the current 8-game conference setup?(As most have already probably read: North Carolina will be playing ACC foe Wake in the future as a non-conf opponent, and the primary reason is because the 2 teams seldom play each other under the current setup?)....Is this a good idea or not?

Nine is an issue, because you will get un balanced schedules, some years having 5 home and others having 4 home. Plus, what about ND, there would have to be a rule, you dont play at Notre Dame if you already had 5 conference road games.

5).How would you feel about a future ACC that included Notre Dame and either West Virginia or Penn State to get to 16 ACC teams?

No West Virginia ever! If not Pedo State, bring back the Twerps or bring in Cincy. I would settle for directional florida schools before the Mountainqueers.

6). How would you feel about a future conference setup that included 4-team PODs instead of the present 2-division setup?

If thats what everyone wants, I am fine either way.

Give us a few years to get tired of you first, before asking us about realignment. I really like Playing Clemson and FSU every year,so I am not in a hurry to see that go.

This post was edited on 2/2 11:22 PM by Naga Saki