(03-14-2017 12:22 AM)Schema Wrote:  

(03-13-2017 03:49 PM)jaminandjachin Wrote:  There's always conversation around the ACC expanding with Big East teams and how much of a difference it makes, was it worth it, blah blah blah.

It's NCAA tournament time and I present you exhibit A:

Between 2006 and 2014 (9 NCAA Tournaments), the ACC had 7 teams reach the Elite Eight (UNC x5, Duke x2)

Just the last two years, 2015 and 2016, the ACC had 7 teams reach the Elite Eight (UNC, Duke, Louisville, Syracuse, Virginia, Notre Dame x2). So 4 of the 7 can be attributed to the newbies. Syracuse became the first non UNC/Duke team to make the Final Four from the ACC since Georgia Tech in 2004. I'd say the difference of the additions is significant.

There is definitely an uptick financially when you combine the TV contract increases, the CFB playoff appearances, the increased number of football bowl appearances, and increases in the NCAA basketball tournament units. We just need to keep it going. Hopefully, the linear network adds even more money and if football continues on this trajectory, we can one day correct that Orange Bowl contract payout and get some even better bowl tie-ins. Things are moving in the right direction in my opinion. On a personal note, I sat in the driving rain and watched Clemson lose to Cuse in the 96 Toyota Gator Bowl. So, I was happy when Syracuse joined the conference so that we could play again and get a win. It made me feel a lot better.

Ok we even now...you can call off the dogs.

BTW, Clemson was a nice trip last year...classic Southern College Town. I plan to return in '18. Send me a note if you are coming to Cuse...I'll be up for the Friday night game. You are welcome to join my tailgate. Cuseroc, CardinalJim and CardFan1 can vouch guaranteeing a great tailgate.