CSNbbs

http://www.mrsec.com/2011/08/sec-expansi...m-pickins/

Not really anything new, but good summary and some interesting takes on the rumors.

That is a good summary.

I have to agree with that writer, there is no effing way that the SEC bigwigs have not discussed who their 14th school might be. There are only two plausible possibilities: (1) They've settled on a 14th school but won't announce that until, at the earliest, the time of the official A&M announcement; (2) They don't have a consensus on #14, and for that reason the SEC is very happy to slow-play the whole A&M soap opera.

My guess is that it's (2).

WVU or FSU is #14. That's what I see. either WVU isn't good enough and they get rid of the gentlemen's agreement if there was one. Or there is and WVU is the team.

(08-26-2011 04:49 PM)Wedge Wrote: [ -> ]That is a good summary.

I have to agree with that writer, there is no effing way that the SEC bigwigs have not discussed who their 14th school might be. There are only two plausible possibilities: (1) They've settled on a 14th school but won't announce that until, at the earliest, the time of the official A&M announcement; (2) They don't have a consensus on #14, and for that reason the SEC is very happy to slow-play the whole A&M soap opera.

My guess is that it's (2).

I really think VTech would accept if invited, and the president is just trying to cover his butt and be diplomatic. Can you imagine what would happen to the president of VTech if NC State or WVU got the bid, and it was found it he turned it down? An ocean of Orange and Maroon would suddenly flood the presidents house, tar and feather him (with Chicken feathers) and ride him out of town on a rail.

I really hope it happens, because it would make politics here in Virginia so much more interesting. The Cavs wanted Syracuse, not an in-state rival. But, the Hokies were able to force their hand through the state legislature. Thomas Jefferson U will try to play the same game, but I am not sure if it will work this time around because the Cavs have been awful. I also don't see UVA as being a great cultural fit in the SEC - the rotunda just won't fit.

NCSU isn't going anywhere so I doubt they'd even offer officially. WVU should be number 14 if you ask me, but i'm just a simpleton with a keyboard.

(08-26-2011 06:03 PM)HawkeyeCoug Wrote: [ -> ]I really hope it happens, because it would make politics here in Virginia so much more interesting. The Cavs wanted Syracuse, not an in-state rival. But, the Hokies were able to force their hand through the state legislature. Thomas Jefferson U will try to play the same game, but I am not sure if it will work this time around because the Cavs have been awful. I also don't see UVA as being a great cultural fit in the SEC - the rotunda just won't fit.

I'm sure UVA is a tempting prize for several conferences. A flagship school of a large state with great all-around sports and stellar academics. We don't hear about conferences pursuing them because it's much less likely they can be pulled away from the ACC than VT.

Were I the SEC, I would prefer UVA for expansion over VT. I doubt they'd leave the ACC unless the whole conference imploded, though.

If nothing else A&M's decision to do this publicly has everyone staring at them so that distraction leaves the SEC to set things up quietly with #14 while A&M is busy giving the media something to look at.

(08-26-2011 05:06 PM)Fresno St. Alum Wrote: [ -> ]WVU or FSU is #14. That's what I see. either WVU isn't good enough and they get rid of the gentlemen's agreement if there was one. Or there is and WVU is the team.

If there's any school that doesn't need the gentlemen's agreement, it's Florida.

I could see protecting South Carolina. A little less so, Georgia.

When SEC Commish Slive was asked at this summer's SEC Meetings on how long it would take him to expand the SEC to 16 members...his reply:

"About 15 minutes".

Of course...not that they will...but if he calls up basically ANY President from a ACC or Big East School...probably the first words out of that Presidents' mouth will be: YES! and Slive will then say: "But I haven't even asked you yet...but ok, welcome to the SEC"

(08-26-2011 06:13 PM)SouthernPirate55 Wrote: [ -> ]but i'm just a simpleton with a keyboard.

+1000

Very interesting and informative. Thanks for posting.

To me that article shows just how ignorant the "Gentleman's Agreement" is and just how much it handcuffs the SEC. Which makes me think it may not be as iron clad as some make it out to be.

I think, as I've said before, that the "Gentleman's Agreement" is completely misunderstood. People take it to mean that no school in a state with an existing member of the SEC would be brought in. I don't know where everyone keeps getting that from, though. I've always interpreted to mean that if, for example, Florida were to have a problem with FSU being in the SEC and yet were facing pressure from legislatures at home that Florida could PUBLICLY support FSU's move while giving a wink and a nod to the other members of the SEC whom would vote "no" to FSU. But if Florida doesn't mind FSU being in the SEC, then the other members wouldn't/shouldn't care either.

For the record, I have no idea how Florida does or doesn't feel about FSU joining the SEC, merely using them as an example.

(08-27-2011 08:48 AM)3rdandBlunder Wrote: [ -> ]I think, as I've said before, that the "Gentleman's Agreement" is completely misunderstood. People take it to mean that no school in a state with an existing member of the SEC would be brought in. I don't know where everyone keeps getting that from, though. I've always interpreted to mean that if, for example, Florida were to have a problem with FSU being in the SEC and yet were facing pressure from legislatures at home that Florida could PUBLICLY support FSU's move while giving a wink and a nod to the other members of the SEC whom would vote "no" to FSU. But if Florida doesn't mind FSU being in the SEC, then the other members wouldn't/shouldn't care either.

For the record, I have no idea how Florida does or doesn't feel about FSU joining the SEC, merely using them as an example.

Agreed, I just can't see limiting your options that quickly. I mean you always want to cut your list, but you never want to cut 90% of it before you even get started.

(08-27-2011 08:48 AM)3rdandBlunder Wrote: [ -> ]I think, as I've said before, that the "Gentleman's Agreement" is completely misunderstood. People take it to mean that no school in a state with an existing member of the SEC would be brought in. I don't know where everyone keeps getting that from, though. I've always interpreted to mean that if, for example, Florida were to have a problem with FSU being in the SEC and yet were facing pressure from legislatures at home that Florida could PUBLICLY support FSU's move while giving a wink and a nod to the other members of the SEC whom would vote "no" to FSU. But if Florida doesn't mind FSU being in the SEC, then the other members wouldn't/shouldn't care either.

For the record, I have no idea how Florida does or doesn't feel about FSU joining the SEC, merely using them as an example.

I thought it was posted on here before, that last time the SEC expanded Florida wanted FSU. Plus there was another theory, that UGa and S.Car would not want FSU because Fla could eliminate that hard extra non conf. game at the end of the year w/ a cupcake earlier. so say the other 2 have 9 hard games Fla would have 8. I like your theory, which makes the most sense better.

(08-27-2011 07:58 AM)Tallgrass Wrote: [ -> ]Very interesting and informative. Thanks for posting.

Ditto, just when I come across enough speculation and hoping a theory sticks posts to stop checking this...someone actually posts something helpful.

I believe they go to VT first and if they don't accept, WVU is the back up, I could easily be wrong, but I don't think there is enough support from the other SEC East teams for any of GT/CU/FSU/UL etc.

you can take UVA, Vatech, UNC, and NCstate off the table for the SEC. UVA will never allow Vatech to go to the SEC because of all the political pressure the VA legislature put on UVA to get the hokies in the ACC...the state of VA wont allow the two to seperate again. UNC and NCstate are both founding members of the ACC. No way does the NC board of govenors allow one to leave without the other, and UNC wouldnt leave without Duke....So for UNC or NCstate to jump to the SEC, the SEC would have to take the entire trio.

(08-28-2011 09:05 PM)10thMountain Wrote: [ -> ]I believe they go to VT first and if they don't accept, WVU is the back up, I could easily be wrong, but I don't think there is enough support from the other SEC East teams for any of GT/CU/FSU/UL etc.

I see it the same way unless NC State is tossing their hat in the ring.

(08-26-2011 05:06 PM)Fresno St. Alum Wrote: [ -> ]WVU or FSU is #14. That's what I see. either WVU isn't good enough and they get rid of the gentlemen's agreement if there was one. Or there is and WVU is the team.

I agree with this, with the possibility of Virginia Tech coming into play...if VT showed interest, I think they'd move to the top of the list. IF VT declines, its either West Virginia or Florida State