ACC votes to expand to 12

[Guest Blackston]

The ACC has recently announced that they are going to be expanding their conference to twelve. While they haven't announced exactly who they are inviting, smart money tends to say that Miami (Fl), Boston College and Syracuse are going to be the invitees (Virginia Tech is the other name that pops up occasionaly). This opens a whole can of worms that could completely change the face of college football (and basketball).

 

First, the obvious casualty is the Big East. The Big East is going to lose their bread and butter (Miami in football, Cuse in basketball), and it is uncertain how the Big East is going to cope. One theory that is floating around is that they could keep the football teams that they already have, drop the basketball only schools, and raid Conference USA to pad their membership to twelve (to get a Conference Championship). I'm not sure if this would be enough for them to keep their BCS Membership, though.

 

Notre Dame is another team anxiously watching how things turn out. Notre Dame is a full member of the Big East in all sports except for football. Notre Dame COULD see this as an opportunity to join a BCS conference (the Big East) in football, that is completely weakened, and an easy trip to a big payday. They also could see their conference of choice imploding, and opt to join the stability of the Big Ten, who has been courting the Irish forever. They also could keep things the way that they are, and risk all of their non-football sports for their football independence.

 

The Big Ten suddenly sees their position get much stronger while the Big East is imploding. The Big Ten obviously wants to get Notre Dame to join their conference, but there is also a need to expand to twelve, to get the conference championship. If the Big East falls apart, a very good program in Pittsburgh suddenly becomes available to the Big Ten. I'm not sure if the Big Ten is going to be content in waiting for Notre Dame's acceptance, or if they will contact the Panthers about membership.

 

With the BCS (and Notre Dame's NBC Contract) expiring in 2005, it will be interesting to see what the makeup of the college football landscape will look like.

[Guest Redhawk]

I think Big East basketball could survive without Syracuse. They would still have well-known established programs in Georgetown, UConn, St. John's, Villanova, Providence, Notre Dame Pittsburgh and Seton Hall.

 

Big East football, on the other hand, would be screwed. Even with Notre Dame (which is in Indiana and shouldn't be in the Big East anyway), they'd just have Pittsburgh, West Virginia and maybe Virginia Tech.

 

And isn't Temple about to get kicked out of the Big East football picture? I remember hearing those rumors a couple years ago, that the conference told Temple to either improve and start bringing in fans or get kicked out.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Miami has never fit in with the Big East. Virginia Tech has a natural rivalry with Virginia so they'd fit in. The other two seem really out of place.

[HurriShane 0]

What exactly would they call the Big 10 if it expands to 12 teams? The Big Ten plus two maybe?

[Guest Mole]

Eventually, UConn football will become a big power house, in like 20 years.

[Guest phoenixrising]

Well, the Big Ten has eleven teams now and it's still called the Big Ten. But two more would be weird.

 

I believe Temple was already leaving the Big East in the next year or two but Miami, BC and Syracuse leaving might change things.

 

ACC looks real powerful now in football, won't just be FSU and everyone else now. Plus Miami-FSU every year is going to be huge. Where Notre Dame ends up could be interesting too. I think they'd prefer the Big Ten because of the stronger schools that would draw more money.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

One story I heard was that alot of the Big 10 teams aren't that interested in adding another team. Apparently the revenue generated from a Conference Championship wouldn't be that great. It should be noted that it was Pittsburgh being discussed. I don't know if that means they've given up Notre Dame.

[Agent_Bond34 0]

Eventually, UConn football will become a big power house, in like 20 years.

I was thinking more along the lines of 21, but 20 seems about right.

 

Don't they begin Big East play (in football) in 2003?

[Guest Blackston]

Firstly, as a fan of a Big Ten team, I know there is strong sentiment to not let our conference expand for the sake of expanding. We would never expand for the likes of a Marshall or a Louisville. But the simple fact of the matter is that with the ACC, SEC and Big Twelve all playing Conference Championship games, I think that it will be sooner rather then later as to when we expand.

 

UConn begins Big East play next season, and I believe that next year may be Temple's last (if this past season wasn't already). The Temple situation could obviously change, depending on the circumstances. UConn is probably the biggest loser in this whole scenario. They have sunk tons of money into building their football team into something great, while banking on the fact that they were in a BCS conference to help pay the bills. I hope that the Huskies manage to land on their feet.

 

I've also heard some neat rumors that probably won't come to fruitation like the Miami one did, but here goes.

 

The PAC-10 is looking to expand soon, to get a conference championship game. The obvious choice would be San Jose State and San Diego State, two up and coming programs. I've heard rumblings, though, that they are pursuing Colorado and Colorado State. If (and this is a big if) this happens, then Arkansas would likely move over to the Big Twelve from the SEC to play against their traditional rivals in the Texas schools. From here, the SEC would likely take teams out of the C-USA to fill their roster.

 

Another conference change that could happen, although on a somewhat smaller scale, in the future is Fresno State and Hawai'i to the Mountain West Conference from the Western Athletic Conference. Talks have been made to both schools, and it is unsure how either are going to go. Hawai'i is probably leaning toward staying, as the WAC is somewhat closer to the Warriors (although, honestly, who is close to Hawai'i?). I could definitely see Fresno leaving though, as the competition in the MWC is much stronger in football.

 

What an interesting offseason.

[Guest Mole]

Eventually, UConn football will become a big power house, in like 20 years.

I was thinking more along the lines of 21, but 20 seems about right.

 

Don't they begin Big East play (in football) in 2003?

They started in D1 two years ago, I believe.

 

They are starting in the Big East this year because they just got their new stadium done. I am suprised it took them this long to get to D1 in football because they are power-houses in B-ball and in soccer.

[Guest NoCalMike]

This is going to ruin the format/rivalries in the ACC. With an overload of teams, the "big 3" in the ACC will only play each other once a year, and the smaller schools could even be left out of the big draws of Duke/NC/Maryland coming to town. The ACC was fine and had it's own identity, but that is all going to get fucked up now in the name of money. This such an obvious ploy for football money. Why couldn't the ACC be happy with being the best CBB division in NCAA. I guess the money brought in from Football will be much more though.

[Guest MarvinisaLunatic]

For the ACC its all about the money they could generate from a playoff and a better BCS bid.

 

Miami joining would be great to acquire for the football side of things (although I seriously doubt they will since it would mean playing Florida St. every year which would pretty much ruin that rivalry) and it wouldn't really hurt the basketball side of things, as they are usually an moderately average team. Virginia Tech would also help the football side of things, and theres a good rivalry with Virgina, but they would hurt the basektball side of the ACC because the Hokies stink at basketball.

Syracuse would benefit both sides a bit, their football programs are good on a consistant basis and, well you know about the basketball.

Boston College is sort of iffy, but I could see them joining the ACC, and it would probably hurt them more than any of the 3 other schools I've mentioned in both sports.

 

ACC football for the most part is a big FAT joke, and its going to be an ever bigger joke this year, as FSU is going to probably struggle to get 7 wins, leaving Maryland and NC State as the best two teams. Maryland's been playing well the last 2 years, but they are in no way a contender for a national title, and I think NC State was a fluke last year. Top it off with having one of the worst teams in the country (Duke) and I can see why they would want to add teams, but Im not sure if Im for it or not.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Why not Fresno St. jumping to the Pac 10. They're the only team in the Silicon Valley. That's like 3 million people. They have the better baskeball and football program. They seem like the better choice.

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

Miami joining would be great to acquire for the football side of things (although I seriously doubt they will since it would mean playing Florida St. every year which would pretty much ruin that rivalry)

Miami already plays Florida St. every year. They have been doing so, going back to at least the 80's.

[Guest Blackston]

Rumors are still swirling about what exactly the ACC is going to do here. Reports out of Atlanta say that both Penn State and Notre Dame have contacted the ACC. What that means is anybody's guess, but an ACC containing Notre Dame, Penn State, Miami (Fl.) and Florida State would have to obviously be considered the premiere football conference in the country.

 

For what it's worth, I don't think that either PSU or ND will end up jumping into the new ACC. There are too many obstacles in the way in order to make that transition smooth enough to occur, IMO.

 

Why not Fresno St. jumping to the Pac 10. They're the only team in the Silicon Valley. That's like 3 million people. They have the better baskeball and football program. They seem like the better choice.

 

I agree that FSU looks like a great choice for the Pac-10, I've just not heard any expansion talk about them. The Pac-10 is a very prestigious academic conference, perhaps Fresno State wouldn't fit into the cards academicly. An expansion containing Colorado and Fresno State would be perhaps the best option for the PAC-10 from an athletic viewpoint, but I can't see Colorado jumping from the Big XII without Colorado State in tow. Still, I've only seen this possiblity in a handful of expansion scenarios, I wouldn't take this as gospel. I think that the Pac-10 is content with just sitting and watching what happens.

 

This is going to ruin the format/rivalries in the ACC. With an overload of teams, the "big 3" in the ACC will only play each other once a year, and the smaller schools could even be left out of the big draws of Duke/NC/Maryland coming to town.

 

Not necessarily. While this expansion will probably screw up the ACC Basketball Tournament, I seriously doubt that it is going to fuck up the basketball rotation of the Tobacco Road Posse. Putting the ACC in two divisions could ensure that each team in a division plays twice in any given year. Even if that gets cocked up somewhere down the line, there is always room for non-conference games against conference opponents, look at Michigan-Michigan State from a couple years ago. If I were a college like Clemson or Georgia Tech, I would certainly consider giving up my basketball home games with Duke, UNC or NC State for football home games with Florida State, Miami or possibly Penn State and Notre Dame.

 

Everything will become a lot clearer this weekend, as the Big East is meeting to see what is needed to keep Miami in the fold. Should be interesting.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

I wish Penn St. would leave the Big 10. I'm old school, and never liked Penn St joining the conference. Plus they belong in the Big East.

[Guest Choken One]

All I care about is where do my Bearcats wind up because I heard rumblings that Big East and SEC would be courting them and Louisville...

 

If the Big East loses those three...Just expect them to pick up a couple C-USA teams...

[Guest Vern Gagne]

They invited Miami, Syracuse, and Boston College. B.C. doesn't belong at all.

[Guest Blackston]

The ACC has officially decided on inviting Miami, Boston College and Syracuse. They voted 8-1 on this expansion plan, with the sole dissentor in Virginia. The Cavs vote is more of a courtesy vote, as they received some pressure from the Governor of Virginia to push for Virginia Tech's admittance into the ACC. Now, the ball is in the Big East's court, lets see what they opt to do.

 

I wish Penn St. would leave the Big 10. I'm old school, and never liked Penn St joining the conference. Plus they belong in the Big East.

 

What is your favorite team, Verne? I can't tell if you are approaching this from the viewpoint of a Penn State fan, a Big Ten fan, or simply an old-school college football fan. As a fan of one of Penn State's major rivals in the Big Ten, I love having the Nits on the Big Ten conference slate. They are another big-time game that we have on our schedule. In fact, on any given year, I look at the Penn State matchup as the second most marquee game on our schedule (behind Michigan).

 

I can see why PSU fans are miffed about some of their treatment from fans in the Big Ten. Big Ten fans, for the most part, are very conservative, and love their traditions. Even though the Nits have been in the conference for a decade, they are still being treated like the new guys. Hell, Michigan State, who joined in the 1950's, still gets that sort of treatment from some Big Ten fans. It doesn't help that after a decade in the conference, PSU only has one Big Ten/Rose Bowl Championship. PSU fans are accustomed to winning, and winning often. Now that quality teams like OSU and Michigan are on the schedule, wins are somewhat harder to find.

 

All I care about is where do my Bearcats wind up because I heard rumblings that Big East and SEC would be courting them and Louisville...

 

I doubt the SEC will be looking to add to their league, unless something happens in the next weekend that is completely unforseen. The Big East, though, will probably be looking to expand to 12 football playing members. UC would definately be a good fit for that, I believe. My guess is that Cincinnati, Louisville and Marshall will all eventually join the remnants of the Big East. It will be interesting to see if the revamped Big East will still be able to keep their BCS affiliation.

[Guest Choken One]

I could care less where we play In football..

 

Basketball is what I am thinking...

 

U.C vs N.D

U.C Vs Georgetown

U.C Vs Uconn

 

Better then U.C vs UAB.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

What is your favorite team, Verne? I can't tell if you are approaching this from the viewpoint of a Penn State fan, a Big Ten fan, or simply an old-school college football fan. As a fan of one of Penn State's major rivals in the Big Ten, I love having the Nits on the Big Ten conference slate. They are another big-time game that we have on our schedule. In fact, on any given year, I look at the Penn State matchup as the second most marquee game on our schedule (behind Michigan).

 

I can see why PSU fans are miffed about some of their treatment from fans in the Big Ten. Big Ten fans, for the most part, are very conservative, and love their traditions. Even though the Nits have been in the conference for a decade, they are still being treated like the new guys. Hell, Michigan State, who joined in the 1950's, still gets that sort of treatment from some Big Ten fans. It doesn't help that after a decade in the conference, PSU only has one Big Ten/Rose Bowl Championship. PSU fans are accustomed to winning, and winning often. Now that quality teams like OSU and Michigan are on the schedule, wins are somewhat harder to find.

 

All I care about is where do my Bearcats wind up because I heard rumblings that Big East and SEC would be courting them and Louisville...

 

I doubt the SEC will be looking to add to their league, unless something happens in the next weekend that is completely unforseen. The Big East, though, will probably be looking to expand to 12 football playing members. UC would definately be a good fit for that, I believe. My guess is that Cincinnati, Louisville and Marshall will all eventually join the remnants of the Big East. It will be interesting to see if the revamped Big East will still be able to keep their BCS affiliation.

Favorite team is Florida St. But I'm from Minnesota so the Big 10 is league I follow. The Big 10 seems like the most traditional league. Not making alot of changes. Penn St. just never fit in IMO. That might be different for you being from Ohio.

 

One story I heard is Paterno doesn't get along with Jim Delaney the Big 10 commisioner. Delaney was very critical of Paterno's behavior toward the officials. Likely doesn't mean much, but like you said Penn St. isn't really part of the Big 10 family.

[Guest phoenixrising]

Pac-10...I'd rather see Fresno State than San Jose State. Fresno State is an up-and-coming program that already has a nice rivalry with Oregon State going. San Jose State...is eh. I can see Fresno State in the MWC though, would be a nice addition. San Diego State is pretty much a given to come into the Pac-10 if it expands. Even if their academic record isn't the best either. I don't think the Pac-10 is really in any hurry to expand right now, they may wait and see first before adding a couple teams.

[Guest RepoMan]

I think BYU would be the best choice for the PAC-10 if they wanted to expand. They've won a national championship and is probalbly the primier non-BCS program.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

BYU might not wanna play that tough a schedule.

[Guest Blackston]

Here is a cool site that pretty much explains where every team in Division I-A stands when it comes to conference alignment.

 

CollegeSportsInfo's guide to conference realignment