#2 below is huge.

The SEC and Big 10 will not add a school in a state they already have a school. It's the 2/state rule.











---------------------------------------------
--- kirksdad66 wrote:

Its complete BS because:

1) Speculation from a blog...rehashed a hundred times from hundred different people who are not in the know....crap. You should never reference this if you are trying to make a sound argument.

2)The SEC doesn't need Dook......The only need one school from NC and VA to complete their footprint. They like flagship schools UVA and UNC fit that.

UNC is the jewel of the ACC, as arrogant as that sounds. If UNC leaves the ACC is dead. And if they are already in a weak conference why would they settle for second or third best in the B1G ? Because as much as you trumpet B1G, they are still second best in product and money when it comes to the SEC. Any TV exec knows this.


The coach of the B1G team that just won the championship game left for his team to go to an SEC school that right now isn't even the middle of the pack in that conference. Even he knows what apparently you don't.



Your Honor, I rest my case...........

---------------------------------------------
--- Gopher1968 wrote:

Why is it complete BS?

Why wouldn't the SEC make a huge play for Duke & UNC?....why wouldn't they accept the offer?

The Minnesota Golden Gophers, who have not been good in Football since the 1960's made a bigger profit in their football program this year than FSU & Clemson ...why wouldn't they bolt from the ACC as well?


This "Gator Guy" may not have it nailed....but complete BS?


Hardly.


---------------------------------------------
--- kirksdad66 wrote:

Complete BS

---------------------------------------------
--- Gopher1968 wrote:

gatortalk1.blogspot.com/2012/1...ealignment.html


GaTech and Virginia to join Maryland and bolt for the Big
10.

FSU, VaTech, and Clemson to make a run for the
Big 12.

North Carolina and DUKE for the SEC....create
the total package for TV.

---------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------

People from other parts of the country don't understand the dynamics of dook and Carolina. dook is a small private school with not enough fans nearby to fill up a 35,000 seat football stadium. There have been years when we averaged more per game in the Smith Center than dook did in its football stadium. dook's popularity lies solely with its basketball program, and its leader is nearing retirement age. Dook has had big time basketball since the early 1960s (due in large part to Carolina and State being in trouble), but has only been dominant with two coaches - Bubas and K. Maybe to a lesser extent with Foster. But Foster's program was withering when he left.

Nobody cares about dook football, not even dook - they are a non-moneymaking loser in the biggest revenue sport. They don't bring tv viewers for football, and if they start stinking in basketball, nobody is going to watch them, either. Kentucky is already in the SEC - they are a natural rival for us in basketball. South Carolina is a natural rival for us in football. We don't need dook. We have had great basketball since the 1920s, and have won national championships with three different coaches. We built a 22,000 seat arena with private money. dook still plays in a rathole, and a rotting stadium in football. dook doesn't bring the NC market. State and Carolina do. dook brings little to nothing to the table, unless they're accompanied by us. I have no idea why the SEC or Big Ten would want them. They'll have k for a few more years. Then it's wojo or someone like him. They won't even fill up Cameron.

Not to mention, we can still play Dook OOC every year in bball. Our relationship with Dook in bball should have no bearing on a conference/fball decision.

---------------------------------------------
--- fishiop wrote:

People from other parts of the country don't understand the dynamics of dook and Carolina. dook is a small private school with not enough fans nearby to fill up a 35,000 seat football stadium. There have been years when we averaged more per game in the Smith Center than dook did in its football stadium. dook's popularity lies solely with its basketball program, and its leader is nearing retirement age. Dook has had big time basketball since the early 1960s (due in large part to Carolina and State being in trouble), but has only been dominant with two coaches - Bubas and K. Maybe to a lesser extent with Foster. But Foster's program was withering when he left.

Nobody cares about dook football, not even dook - they are a non-moneymaking loser in the biggest revenue sport. They don't bring tv viewers for football, and if they start stinking in basketball, nobody is going to watch them, either. Kentucky is already in the SEC - they are a natural rival for us in basketball. South Carolina is a natural rival for us in football. We don't need dook. We have had great basketball since the 1920s, and have won three national championships with three different coaches. We built a 22,000 seat arena with private money. dook still plays in a rathole, and a rotting stadium in football. dook doesn't bring the NC market. State and Carolina do. dook brings little to nothing to the table, unless they're accompanied by us. I have no idea why the SEC or Big Ten would want them. They'll have k for a few more years. Then it's wojo or someone like him. They won't even fill up Cameron.

---------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------
--- Gopher1968 wrote:

gatortalk1.blogspot.com/2012/1...ealignment.html


GaTech and Virginia to join Maryland and bolt for the Big
10.

FSU, VaTech, and Clemson to make a run for the
Big 12.

North Carolina and DUKE for the SEC....create
the total package for TV.

---------------------------------------------

Good Lord, dude, if you're going to post something about realignment, how about at least citing a credible source. A UF blog does not qualify.

Even if it were true, the SEC would not take Duke. They want to pair UNC with UVA.

Gopher 1968 = clueless fry cook at Plymouth Minnesota McDonalds

---------------------------------------------
--- kirksdad66 wrote:

Gopher 1968 = clueless fry cook at Plymouth Minnesota McDonalds

---------------------------------------------

Hence the desire to supersize the Big 10.

---------------------------------------------
--- therabidrev wrote:



---------------------------------------------
--- kirksdad66 wrote:

Gopher 1968 = clueless fry cook at Plymouth Minnesota McDonalds

---------------------------------------------

Hence the desire to supersize the Big 10.

---------------------------------------------

Flawless victory.

Interesting fact.

The ACC has a $50 million penalty for any school leaving the conference.

The B10 penalty for leaving the conference? ZERO.

I think that says it all.

---------------------------------------------
--- Termin8or wrote:

Interesting fact.

The ACC has a $50 million penalty for any school leaving the conference.

The B10 penalty for leaving the conference? ZERO.

I think that says it all.

---------------------------------------------

Does the Big Ten have a grant of rights?

---------------------------------------------
--- fishiop wrote:


---------------------------------------------
--- Termin8or wrote:

Interesting fact.

The ACC has a $50 million penalty for any school leaving the conference.

The B10 penalty for leaving the conference? ZERO.

I think that says it all.

---------------------------------------------

Does the Big Ten have a grant of rights?

---------------------------------------------

Now, now fishiop. Stop asking pertinent questions. You meanie. :D

www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2012...y-add-unc-duke/

---------------------------------------------
Hayes quotes an ACC source that the SEC has been after this pair for three years. It’s not surprising, because like we’ve said before, if you don’t want to add schools from current SEC states, where do you turn? NC State? Ugh.

---------------------------------------------


BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Come on wolpfackers, tell us gain how the SEC is frothing at the mouth to get you!!!

---------------------------------------------
--- ShadowSpawne wrote:

www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2012...y-add-unc-duke/

---------------------------------------------
Hayes quotes an ACC source that the SEC has been after this pair for three years. It’s not surprising, because like we’ve said before, if you don’t want to add schools from current SEC states, where do you turn? NC State? Ugh.

---------------------------------------------


BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Come on wolpfackers, tell us gain how the SEC is frothing at the mouth to get you!!!

---------------------------------------------

LOL

---------------------------------------------
--- ShadowSpawne wrote:

www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2012...y-add-unc-duke/

---------------------------------------------
Hayes quotes an ACC source that the SEC has been after this pair for three years. It’s not surprising, because like we’ve said before, if you don’t want to add schools from current SEC states, where do you turn? NC State? Ugh.

---------------------------------------------


BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Come on wolpfackers, tell us again how the SEC is frothing at the mouth to get you!!!

---------------------------------------------

You can hear the stuttering and stammering all the way from Raleigh right now...LOL!

Really getting tired of this Dook/UNC stuck together thing from the basketball firsters/onlys. Dook brings nothing to another conference. Dook will not survive without us, however we can survive without them. Dook will be nothing once K leaves. Their end is near. You really want to tie yourselve to the anchor of a sinking ship then go ahead. But I would rather raise the sail and look for greener lands. Sorry but the ACC is going to go down unless the monetary culture changes. And with teams like BC, WAKE, Dook who's fan bases dont travel at all.. then you are doomed.


Its clear the basketball firsters dont love UNC as they seem to be completely concerned with basketball only and not this great university. More money in footbal television revenue equals more UNC money equals better resources equals better school..

---------------------------------------------
--- hockeytownheel wrote:

Really getting tired of this Dook/UNC stuck together thing from the basketball firsters/onlys. Dook brings nothing to another conference. Dook will not survive without us, however we can survive without them. Dook will be nothing once K leaves. Their end is near. You really want to tie yourselve to the anchor of a sinking ship then go ahead. But I would rather raise the sail and look for greener lands. Sorry but the ACC is going to go down unless the monetary culture changes. And with teams like BC, WAKE, Dook who's fan bases dont travel at all.. then you are doomed.


Its clear the basketball firsters dont love UNC as they seem to be completely concerned with basketball only and not this great university. More money in footbal television revenue equals more UNC money equals better resources equals better school..

---------------------------------------------
The SEC, lead by UGA, ALA, FLA and Vandy have been after Carolina and UVA for three years.I do not believe the dook parasitic relationship factors into the SECs formula of one school per state.It makes no economic sense.

Y'all are selling dook short... but that is fine with me.

Was talking about this with a friend yesterday who happens to be a VT grad. The only way that Duke is in play for the SEC will be if UNC insists on it as a stipulation for joining the league. Period.

If UNC insists on Duke tagging along (which is a possibility considering our current "leadership"), my friend and I considered an interesting alternative scenario. Bear with me here. I'll lay out an interesting possibility that could send UNC, Duke, UVA, and VT to the SEC.

1. Who says that 16 teams is the end point for the SEC or the B1G? I have heard rumblings that the B1G would not stop at 16 if ND, UNC, or another big player were in the mix. The SEC has been at the forefront of innovation with conference expansion. If the B1G won't necessarily stop at 16, why would the SEC?

2. I think we can all pretty much agree that there is some serious interest in UNC and UVA by the B1G. We also can pretty much agree that the states of Virginia and North Carolina are coveted by the SEC as well. If these two things are true, do we really think that the SEC will stand idly by while the B1G simply takes over these two states by taking UNC and UVA?

3. If points 1 and 2 have some basis in fact, would the SEC then move to stop B1G encroachment on Virginia and North Carolina by going beyond 16 teams and taking a combo package of UNC, Duke (at UNC's insistence), UVA, and VT (at UVA's insistence) to go to 18 teams?

This could be a BRILLIANT move for the SEC in the following ways:

1. NEW MARKETS - The SEC effectively locks the B1G out of the South and, more importantly, out of Southern tv markets. Taking the states of VA and NC off the table for the B1G leaves only GT as a possible B1G Southern member. Would the B1G want to screw with its footprint by taking GT and leaving them alone on an island? Doesn't seem to fit their profile at all to do something like this. Further, by the SEC taking UNC, UVA, and Duke, no suitable Southern schools other than GT would be available for the B1G. I cannot see the B1G taking NCSU, Clemson, or FSU. In addition, by adding UVA AND VT, the B1G's grab for the DC market with UMD is effectively neutered.

2. FOOTBALL - The SEC improves its football package by adding two good but not powerhouse football programs in VT and UNC along with adding new markets in two states which are geographically contiguous with the current SEC footprint.

3. BASKETBALL - The SEC improves its basketball package (yes, I said the "b" word) by adding UNC and Duke. While we know football is front and center in expansion, adding to the basketball package while at the same time enhancing football's tv footprint could only be an added bonus. Consider an SEC basketball conference featuring three of the most storied programs in history in UNC, Duke, and Kentucky. Florida is also strong in basketball.

4. ACADEMICS - For those in the UNC administration that appear to be hung up on academics, an SEC featuring UNC, Duke, UVA, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Georgia all of a sudden doesn't look so bad academically.

5. POLITICS - We all know that UNC is the crown jewel in the South for both the SEC and the B1G. By meeting a possible UNC demand to take Duke, the SEC gets what it wants in the end which is UNC and new markets. Virginia is also a big market that the SEC covets. By taking UVA and VT, any political wrangling in the Commonwealth would be eliminated which would raise UVA's comfort level with going to the SEC. UVA could also be further enticed to go to the SEC in such a package if they knew that all three of UNC, Duke, and VT were coming along with them.

There has been quite a bit of discussion regarding the SEC's unwillingness to "double down" on tv markets and there is some basis in fact here in the cases of Clemson (SC), GT (UGA), and FSU (UF). But I honestly think that the SEC might consider breaking their doubling down rule in this instance because of what this particular doubling down could achieve for them that the aforementioned doubling down doesn't. Doubling down on the VA/NC markets in this fashion:

- Locks the B1G out of the South
- Instantly adds coveted tv markets in NC/VA
- Expands future SEC Network population by 17 million people - population wise, this is the equivalent of four new states the size of Alabama
- Instantly improves academic status of the SEC
- Instantly improves the basketball brand of the SEC

The more I thought about the possibility, the more intriguing it sounds. Considering the way things have gone with expansion in the last few years, I am starting to believe that anything is possible. This particular arrangement, in my opinion, would be great financially for the SEC and great for UNC and its fans/alums.

I just do not understand why this University would insist upon taking Duke with them, in the event the ACC implodes (and it isn't). Duke can fend for themselves. Insisting that they be incluuded with UNC is a deal killer for the SEC. They want state flagship universities, and, Duke is not that.

If the worst does come to pass, they can go to the B10, or, what remains of the BE. Carolina can still play them OOC in whatever sports it decides.

Then again, it could be this University's powers-that-be play to assure that UNC winds up in the B10. They could then simply say that the SEC would not meet one of their specific requests for joining. Which then, in effect, hands over athletic control of NC to State. Of course, the faculty might want that, too.

If thats the case, they are one sorry lot, IMHO.

I don't think UNC would insist on dook (we'd prefer UVa, but they may be inclined to look westward). I do think including dook would make it more attractive to us and I also think it would be beneficial to the SEC (I understand the carriage fee argument, but I don't see that as a sustainable longterm source of income either. (I'm sure as hell not going to pay any extra for the B10 network and within a decade I imagine it will all be a la carte programming making such networks with limited appeal much less profitable).

The games that are left to the league networks will be basketball and olympic sports... dook helps there. The value of basketball could rise in the future as well (if the leagues take ownership of the year end tournament). Still think VPI would be more attractive to the SEC, but dook does offer a lot IMO (and they could be competitive in football if they had institutional support IMO).

I could see the SEC make this play for VA / NC.

I might be biased, but I'd rather see 2 of these teams go north :)


---------------------------------------------
--- BamainCarolina wrote:

Was talking about this with a friend yesterday who happens to be a VT grad. The only way that Duke is in play for the SEC will be if UNC insists on it as a stipulation for joining the league. Period.

If UNC insists on Duke tagging along (which is a possibility considering our current "leadership"), my friend and I considered an interesting alternative scenario. Bear with me here. I'll lay out an interesting possibility that could send UNC, Duke, UVA, and VT to the SEC.

1. Who says that 16 teams is the end point for the SEC or the B1G? I have heard rumblings that the B1G would not stop at 16 if ND, UNC, or another big player were in the mix. The SEC has been at the forefront of innovation with conference expansion. If the B1G won't necessarily stop at 16, why would the SEC?

2. I think we can all pretty much agree that there is some serious interest in UNC and UVA by the B1G. We also can pretty much agree that the states of Virginia and North Carolina are coveted by the SEC as well. If these two things are true, do we really think that the SEC will stand idly by while the B1G simply takes over these two states by taking UNC and UVA?

3. If points 1 and 2 have some basis in fact, would the SEC then move to stop B1G encroachment on Virginia and North Carolina by going beyond 16 teams and taking a combo package of UNC, Duke (at UNC's insistence), UVA, and VT (at UVA's insistence) to go to 18 teams?

This could be a BRILLIANT move for the SEC in the following ways:

1. NEW MARKETS - The SEC effectively locks the B1G out of the South and, more importantly, out of Southern tv markets. Taking the states of VA and NC off the table for the B1G leaves only GT as a possible B1G Southern member. Would the B1G want to screw with its footprint by taking GT and leaving them alone on an island? Doesn't seem to fit their profile at all to do something like this. Further, by the SEC taking UNC, UVA, and Duke, no suitable Southern schools other than GT would be available for the B1G. I cannot see the B1G taking NCSU, Clemson, or FSU. In addition, by adding UVA AND VT, the B1G's grab for the DC market with UMD is effectively neutered.

2. FOOTBALL - The SEC improves its football package by adding two good but not powerhouse football programs in VT and UNC along with adding new markets in two states which are geographically contiguous with the current SEC footprint.

3. BASKETBALL - The SEC improves its basketball package (yes, I said the "b" word) by adding UNC and Duke. While we know football is front and center in expansion, adding to the basketball package while at the same time enhancing football's tv footprint could only be an added bonus. Consider an SEC basketball conference featuring three of the most storied programs in history in UNC, Duke, and Kentucky. Florida is also strong in basketball.

4. ACADEMICS - For those in the UNC administration that appear to be hung up on academics, an SEC featuring UNC, Duke, UVA, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Georgia all of a sudden doesn't look so bad academically.

5. POLITICS - We all know that UNC is the crown jewel in the South for both the SEC and the B1G. By meeting a possible UNC demand to take Duke, the SEC gets what it wants in the end which is UNC and new markets. Virginia is also a big market that the SEC covets. By taking UVA and VT, any political wrangling in the Commonwealth would be eliminated which would raise UVA's comfort level with going to the SEC. UVA could also be further enticed to go to the SEC in such a package if they knew that all three of UNC, Duke, and VT were coming along with them.

There has been quite a bit of discussion regarding the SEC's unwillingness to "double down" on tv markets and there is some basis in fact here in the cases of Clemson (SC), GT (UGA), and FSU (UF). But I honestly think that the SEC might consider breaking their doubling down rule in this instance because of what this particular doubling down could achieve for them that the aforementioned doubling down doesn't. Doubling down on the VA/NC markets in this fashion:

- Locks the B1G out of the South
- Instantly adds coveted tv markets in NC/VA
- Expands future SEC Network population by 17 million people - population wise, this is the equivalent of four new states the size of Alabama
- Instantly improves academic status of the SEC
- Instantly improves the basketball brand of the SEC

The more I thought about the possibility, the more intriguing it sounds. Considering the way things have gone with expansion in the last few years, I am starting to believe that anything is possible. This particular arrangement, in my opinion, would be great financially for the SEC and great for UNC and its fans/alums.

---------------------------------------------

SEC and B!G both want Carolina and see UVa as the best leverage to get them.

SEC would take Carolina with either UVa or VT. They may settle for NCSU and VT, but not before Carolina took itself out of contention by joining the B!G with either UVa or Duke.

B!G would prefer Carolina and UVa, but would take Carolina with Duke or GT.

TV market, brand, academics and broad athletic success are all valuable to conferences. Carolina is the one ACC school that offers all of that in one place.

That is why the SEC or B!G aren't making any final moves without making sure a spot is reserved for Carolina. One of them might try stealing another school to entice Carolina to join, but they know it could backfire and drive Carolina to the other conference.

The best path for success in all sports for Carolina remains a more vibrant ACC, which I believe all of the members are jointly working toward.

---------------------------------------------
--- unc86 wrote:

SEC and B!G both want Carolina and see UVa as the best leverage to get them.

SEC would take Carolina with either UVa or VT. They may settle for NCSU and VT, but not before Carolina took itself out of contention by joining the B!G with either UVa or Duke.

B!G would prefer Carolina and UVa, but would take Carolina with Duke or GT.

TV market, brand, academics and broad athletic success are all valuable to conferences. Carolina is the one ACC school that offers all of that in one place.

That is why the SEC or B!G aren't making any final moves without making sure a spot is reserved for Carolina. One of them might try stealing another school to entice Carolina to join, but they know it could backfire and drive Carolina to the other conference.

The best path for success in all sports for Carolina remains a more vibrant ACC, which I believe all of the members are jointly working toward.

---------------------------------------------

Doesn't the B1G have a "contiguous state" requirement? If true and they want GT, they would have to choose a school in NC, SC, AL, or TN to have a GA neighbor. VA won't do. Lots of folks forget about our southwestern border with GA.

Excellent post BamainCarolina. Allow me to add some further detail supporting your post.

First, I know for a fact that Slive has stated that the SECis not bound to stop at 16 if the conference thought it was better to expand beyond that number.

Second, I strongly believe the BIG10 and SEC are competing directly with each other over possible expansion in ACC territory. Neither Slive nor Delany will talk openly about this competition, but I do feel as though that part of the BIG10's and SEC's motives are to out-do the other. So yes, both IMO both are willing to go beyond 16.

Third, the BIG10 has three major goals: lock down the North East, make inroads into the fertile southern recruiting grounds, and last get ND in the conference. Rutgers and Maryland were geared toward those goals. If they were to expand to 16 by taking two more ACC schools, you can safely assume that they would not turn ND away. And if that's true, 20 is the next logical step up from 16.

Fourth, the SEC does not want the BIG10 running around in the south gobbling up the local talent. I honestly believe the SEC is willing to go to 20 to prevent the BIG10 from landing in NC, GA, and FL.

The scenario that I think could play out is the SEC adds UNC and Duke if they are willing to join. That would give the SEC the inside edge on UVA. If UVA joins, the SEC then has three more spots to fill on there way to 20. Then VT, FSU, GT, Clemson, and maybe even UL would all be in play. The SEC could add any of those that the BIG10 pursues just to keep them out of the South East.

---------------------------------------------
--- BamainCarolina wrote:

Was talking about this with a friend yesterday who happens to be a VT grad. The only way that Duke is in play for the SEC will be if UNC insists on it as a stipulation for joining the league. Period.

If UNC insists on Duke tagging along (which is a possibility considering our current "leadership"), my friend and I considered an interesting alternative scenario. Bear with me here. I'll lay out an interesting possibility that could send UNC, Duke, UVA, and VT to the SEC.

1. Who says that 16 teams is the end point for the SEC or the B1G? I have heard rumblings that the B1G would not stop at 16 if ND, UNC, or another big player were in the mix. The SEC has been at the forefront of innovation with conference expansion. If the B1G won't necessarily stop at 16, why would the SEC?

2. I think we can all pretty much agree that there is some serious interest in UNC and UVA by the B1G. We also can pretty much agree that the states of Virginia and North Carolina are coveted by the SEC as well. If these two things are true, do we really think that the SEC will stand idly by while the B1G simply takes over these two states by taking UNC and UVA?

3. If points 1 and 2 have some basis in fact, would the SEC then move to stop B1G encroachment on Virginia and North Carolina by going beyond 16 teams and taking a combo package of UNC, Duke (at UNC's insistence), UVA, and VT (at UVA's insistence) to go to 18 teams?

This could be a BRILLIANT move for the SEC in the following ways:

1. NEW MARKETS - The SEC effectively locks the B1G out of the South and, more importantly, out of Southern tv markets. Taking the states of VA and NC off the table for the B1G leaves only GT as a possible B1G Southern member. Would the B1G want to screw with its footprint by taking GT and leaving them alone on an island? Doesn't seem to fit their profile at all to do something like this. Further, by the SEC taking UNC, UVA, and Duke, no suitable Southern schools other than GT would be available for the B1G. I cannot see the B1G taking NCSU, Clemson, or FSU. In addition, by adding UVA AND VT, the B1G's grab for the DC market with UMD is effectively neutered.

2. FOOTBALL - The SEC improves its football package by adding two good but not powerhouse football programs in VT and UNC along with adding new markets in two states which are geographically contiguous with the current SEC footprint.

3. BASKETBALL - The SEC improves its basketball package (yes, I said the "b" word) by adding UNC and Duke. While we know football is front and center in expansion, adding to the basketball package while at the same time enhancing football's tv footprint could only be an added bonus. Consider an SEC basketball conference featuring three of the most storied programs in history in UNC, Duke, and Kentucky. Florida is also strong in basketball.

4. ACADEMICS - For those in the UNC administration that appear to be hung up on academics, an SEC featuring UNC, Duke, UVA, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Georgia all of a sudden doesn't look so bad academically.

5. POLITICS - We all know that UNC is the crown jewel in the South for both the SEC and the B1G. By meeting a possible UNC demand to take Duke, the SEC gets what it wants in the end which is UNC and new markets. Virginia is also a big market that the SEC covets. By taking UVA and VT, any political wrangling in the Commonwealth would be eliminated which would raise UVA's comfort level with going to the SEC. UVA could also be further enticed to go to the SEC in such a package if they knew that all three of UNC, Duke, and VT were coming along with them.

There has been quite a bit of discussion regarding the SEC's unwillingness to "double down" on tv markets and there is some basis in fact here in the cases of Clemson (SC), GT (UGA), and FSU (UF). But I honestly think that the SEC might consider breaking their doubling down rule in this instance because of what this particular doubling down could achieve for them that the aforementioned doubling down doesn't. Doubling down on the VA/NC markets in this fashion:

- Locks the B1G out of the South
- Instantly adds coveted tv markets in NC/VA
- Expands future SEC Network population by 17 million people - population wise, this is the equivalent of four new states the size of Alabama
- Instantly improves academic status of the SEC
- Instantly improves the basketball brand of the SEC

The more I thought about the possibility, the more intriguing it sounds. Considering the way things have gone with expansion in the last few years, I am starting to believe that anything is possible. This particular arrangement, in my opinion, would be great financially for the SEC and great for UNC and its fans/alums.

---------------------------------------------

Regarding Item 5 Politics.
Remember Va Legislature requiring Va Tech to ACC.
Why would not that come into play for Va Tech & NCSU
if UVa & UNC to SEC? Then Ga requires GaTech & Fl wants FSU.
Actually not a bad thing.
All South East States have their top 2 state schools. No #2 State school in Tn so they have Vanderbilt.

From an ESPN article Friday.

I'll start with this:

B1G - Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois, Minnesota, Penn State, Rutgers, Purdue, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia Tech

SEC - Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, Mississippi State, Georgia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, South Carolina, North Carolina & Virginia, Duke or Virginia Tech

Really???

Here's the article exerpts:


"excerpt(s):

The Mountain West and Boise State are having ongoing dialogue about the Broncos staying in the conference instead of leaving for the Big East in fall 2013, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN.com on Friday night.
The source said the focus of the Mountain West is to lure the Broncos back in light of the Big East shakeup that has seen Louisville and Rutgers commit to leave the league for the ACC and the Big Ten, respectively, in 2014, and then the potential devaluing of the television deal with seven Catholic-based non-FBS schools announcing a split as late as June 30, 2015.

Boise State could be forced to make a quick choice between the two conferences because the Mountain West and CBS have agreed to restructure their television deal, CBSSports.com reported Friday, citing anonymous sources.

A new deal could mean millions more for Mountain West schools through the 2015-2016 school year and make the Mountain West the dominant non-BCS conference in the country.
In contrast, multiple sources told ESPN the Big East is having a hard time putting together a long-term television contract with the membership in flux for 2014 and beyond.......




At this point, both schools have to stay in the Big East, but sources at Cincinnati and UConn are under the impression, even if it's not known to be true yet, that the Big Ten will raid the ACC for two more schools -- North Carolina and Georgia Tech.
Both Cincinnati and UConn sources have said they ultimately think they will be in the ACC".

& here's the rest of the article:


"apparently (according to SEC sources) NCState and VaTech are the only two schools who meet SEC criteria of not interfering with current SEC members TV coverage areas.  

Clemson is a FOR SURE never ever invite to SEC due to their location in a small state and the fact Clemson would infringe greatly on USC's broadcast area.  Numerous teams are violently against Clemson. Same can be said for FSU.  Florida violently against FSU as is Georgia, and numerous other SEC schools.  

Big 10 now saying they will take just two more and that's it. Those two will be UNC and GaTech. For some reason the Big 10 is really insistant on fabulous academics and FSU doesnt come close to qualifying for Big 10.  One Big 10 official recently stated that "GaTech and UNC and Virginia are the only Acc schools we are interested in who meet our high standards, and we will take just 2 of those 3 candidates".

I really do not think UNC will ever play in the Big Ten. "If" we had to make a move it would be to the SEC but .......the ACC is really the perfect fit for our school. We have a mixture of sports that fits in well with our historical and new members. Our travel costs and travel pressures on our student athletes are less with the ACC.

We aren't going anywhere. We are alright.

That smells like some Big-10 wishful thinking.

When these guys are writing this stuff, do they think it makes it more believable when they write something like, "Big 10 now saying they THEY WILL TAKE just two more and that's it. Those two WILL BE UNC and GaTech." If you change just one word in these two sentences they become more believable, but they don't create the buzz and hits to their site that they are looking for. Remove the word take and insert the word invite. Thats probably more along the lines of what was said, not what was reported.

And now, UNC and GaTech shall come to live in the Kingdom of B1G. And there, they shall stay and serve the Kingdom for the rest of the days of their lives. So saith King B1G.

I thought this was the most like;y outcome if UNC were to ever leave the ACC. Here's a blurb from the article:


"Sources at Cincinnati and UConn are under the impression, even if it's not known to be true yet, that the Big Ten will raid the ACC for two more schools -- North Carolina and Georgia Tech."



espn.go.com/college-sports/sto...ubbing-big-east

Cincinnati and UConn are like the Mayans in a sense: they are about to be extinguished, but they can tell those of us who aren't how it's all going down.

i'd rather go to the sec.

Not really...id like unc or uva....but i really want ga tech anf fsu......but the academic snobs wong pull the trigher on fsu....and the ones at unc want the b10
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--- ShadowSpawne wrote:

That smells like some Big-10 wishful thinking.

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I believe in conference would jump at the chance to have UNC join their league.

Wrong, UNC has told the can't count conf. no about 20 times now.

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--- buckeye4573 wrote:


Not really...id like unc or uva....but i really want ga tech anf fsu......but the academic snobs wong pull the trigher on fsu....and the ones at unc want the b10
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--- ShadowSpawne wrote:

That smells like some Big-10 wishful thinking.

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--- WesternStormer wrote:


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--- buckeye4573 wrote:

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--- GforHeels wrote:

Since a good portion of this grant money is coming from the printing press based on bonds purchased by the FED, instead of from the tax coffers, and seeing that the gravy train is about to derail, I am pretty sure discussions of grant money, as far as it comes from the government, for more than the next couple years is a waste of time. We won't be able to afford it once interest rates get to 8% or so anyway, and $2 million won't be able to buy a car. Not to mention this is about athletics anyway.

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All of this is possibly true, the thing I dont understand is UNC people seem a bit snobby like the B10 folks with academics. I've read the comments about NCState and how many look down upon them for the academic prowess, so my question is what would you prefer? Ivy League, B10, SEC? and why? (and I'm putting them in order of how the academic side would feel)

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SEC, for geography, culture, and, for the chance to restart some long dormant rivalries.

We have a lot of history with South Carolina (who was in the ACC from '53-'71, IIRC).

Plus, we could renew old rivalries with Georgia and Tennessee. We do not have that with any B10 school.

Not to mention, late-season trips to SEC locales like Athens, Gainesville, Tuscaloosa, and, Baton Rouge would trump trips to Columbus, Ann Arbor, Madison, Minneapolis, etc.

No offense, buckeye fan, just prefer the warmer Southern climate in the fall. :)

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Well I guess you're different than most Big Ten fans. I'd prefer just about anyplace over Oxford, College Station, Tuscaloosa, Starksville or Auburn. But I also prefer indoor plumbing so I'm weird like that. :). No but seriously, I really hope the school takes the opinion of fans into account when deciding which conference you guys go to (if you leave the ACC).

I love the BIG and enjoy going on trips to bigger cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Columbus and Detroit. While also having smaller towns like Madison, Lincoln and State College. I also like that all of our schools have a similar academic profile, highly ranked, large research institutions.

UNC would be a great addition to the B1G especially if they come with UVA. The Eastern part of the conference would be PSU, OSU, UNC, UVA, Rutgers, MD, Michigan & Purdue. From the outside I'd think that UNC could make a ton of rivalries there in football as well as B-ball. But I'd hate to add UNC if they don't want to be here.

First I don't think the B1G has asked UNC 20 times, Im not sure if they asked once. Secondly, I don't think you understood what he was saying. He wasn't saying UNC wanted to join the conference, he was talking about people who only care about academics would want to join the B1G if UNC left the ACC.

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--- ShadowSpawne wrote:

Wrong, UNC has told the can't count conf. no about 20 times now.

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--- buckeye4573 wrote:


Not really...id like unc or uva....but i really want ga tech anf fsu......but the academic snobs wong pull the trigher on fsu....and the ones at unc want the b10
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--- ShadowSpawne wrote:

That smells like some Big-10 wishful thinking.

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--- FlyingFish13 wrote:

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--- WesternStormer wrote:

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--- buckeye4573 wrote:

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--- GforHeels wrote:

Since a good portion of this grant money is coming from the printing press based on bonds purchased by the FED, instead of from the tax coffers, and seeing that the gravy train is about to derail, I am pretty sure discussions of grant money, as far as it comes from the government, for more than the next couple years is a waste of time. We won't be able to afford it once interest rates get to 8% or so anyway, and $2 million won't be able to buy a car. Not to mention this is about athletics anyway.

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All of this is possibly true, the thing I dont understand is UNC people seem a bit snobby like the B10 folks with academics. I've read the comments about NCState and how many look down upon them for the academic prowess, so my question is what would you prefer? Ivy League, B10, SEC? and why? (and I'm putting them in order of how the academic side would feel)

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SEC, for geography, culture, and, for the chance to restart some long dormant rivalries.

We have a lot of history with South Carolina (who was in the ACC from '53-'71, IIRC).

Plus, we could renew old rivalries with Georgia and Tennessee. We do not have that with any B10 school.

Not to mention, late-season trips to SEC locales like Athens, Gainesville, Tuscaloosa, and, Baton Rouge would trump trips to Columbus, Ann Arbor, Madison, Minneapolis, etc.

No offense, buckeye fan, just prefer the warmer Southern climate in the fall. :)

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Well I guess you're different than most Big Ten fans. I'd prefer just about anyplace over Oxford, College Station, Tuscaloosa, Starksville or Auburn. But I also prefer indoor plumbing so I'm weird like that. :). No but seriously, I really hope the school takes the opinion of fans into account when deciding which conference you guys go to (if you leave the ACC).

I love the BIG and enjoy going on trips to bigger cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Columbus and Detroit. While also having smaller towns like Madison, Lincoln and State College. I also like that all of our schools have a similar academic profile, highly ranked, large research institutions.

UNC would be a great addition to the B1G especially if they come with UVA. The Eastern part of the conference would be PSU, OSU, UNC, UVA, Rutgers, MD, Michigan & Purdue. From the outside I'd think that UNC could make a ton of rivalries there in football as well as B-ball. But I'd hate to add UNC if they don't want to be here.

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We have indoor plumbing, Mr Smarty. We have 'lectricity, dial phones, and, the interwebs, too. :p

I have absolutely NOTHING against the Big 10. I've said several times before that I completely respect the league's dedication to combining high major athletics with high academic achievement. I meant no disrespect towards Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, Columbus, etc. I know I would enjoy myself on any visit to those cities. Like I said, I just prefer the warmer Southern climate in the fall.

Were the SEC 100 percent done with expansion, the ACC was imploding, and, the B10 still wanted Carolina, it could be a good move for us.

But, we just cannot hand our arch rival...NCSU...their dream gig in the SEC. Kids in our natural recruiting grounds want to play in the SEC, not the B10. And, we would essentially be ceding that to the wolpf ag pups if we ever turned down a SEC invite. That just cannot happen. Although, I doubt our powers-that-be will take that into consideration if a move were to ever be made.

Its maybe difficult for some OSU/B10 fans to understand. OSU doesn't have a built-in state rival like that in your state. Neither do Minnesota, Nebraska, etc. Its a different dynamic here.

But, its all a moot point, anyway. The ACC is not going anywhere. And, is going to prosper.

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--- FlyingFish13 wrote:

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--- ShadowSpawne wrote:

Wrong, UNC has told the can't count conf. no about 20 times now.

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First I don't think the B1G has asked UNC 20 times, Im not sure if they asked once. Secondly, I don't think you understood what he was saying. He wasn't saying UNC wanted to join the conference, he was talking about people who only care about academics would want to join the B1G if UNC left the ACC.

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The B10 might not have 'officially' asked. That said, I'd be willing to wager that B10 commish Jim Delany (UNC grad) has had more than a few informal chats with the powers that be in Chapel Hill about this very topic.

It has to be made known that our very first option is to keep the ACC in the major conference group. Its our best opportunity to succeed in both athletics and academics.