(11-04-2015 10:04 AM)ren.hoek Wrote:  

(11-03-2015 06:47 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  

(11-03-2015 04:45 PM)ren.hoek Wrote:  Given the recent developments with the ACCN delay (I still hold out hope that ESPN will come through just because I think they would rather the ACC survive and thrive rather than be picked apart)...

here's a novel idea that Swofford is undoubtedly not smart enough to conjure himself: Conspire to cannibalize the Big12 with the SEC and ESPN. We need 8 votes to dissolve the conference and nullify the GOR. The SEC is negotiating from a position of strength, so let them have the two properties they desire the most: OU and Kansas. The ACC then takes 6 to destroy the Big12: WVU, KState, Okie State, Texas, Baylor, TCU. The elephant in the room is the Longhorn network. Let Texas keep it, but they get zero revenue from the ACCN. The ACC gets subscribers all through Texahoma, Kansas and probably into Missouri. The ACC and SEC get new interconference rivalries with Kansas-KState, OU-OSU, and just maybe Texas-aTm. Iowa State and TTech are hosed, but that's life.

That would result in a 16 team SEC and a 20 team ACC. The ACC would mix and match 5 team pods to form 2 divisions of 10 teams every year. They divide up rather nicely:
BC
Syracuse
Pitt
Louisville
WVU

UVa
VT
UNC
Duke
NCSU

WF
Clemson
GT
FSU
Miami

Texas
TCU
Baylor
OSU
KState

WF gets murdered every year, but WF has a history of being the peacemaker that does what is best for the conference.

That's similar to some of the scenarios we talked about previously. The ACC would benefit most by tag teaming with the SEC to take down the Big 12.

It's probably the simplest plan for both leagues and ESPN to get what they want. Not sure if UNC would go for it, but the others really should just make it happen and save the league for the long term. If UNC doesn't want more power teams in the league then tell them to get over it.

I would propose this alignment:

OU, OSU, KU, TCU to the SEC

UT, Baylor, TT, KSU, ISU, WVU to the ACC

ACC North: BC, Syracuse, Pitt, WVU, Louisville(the old Big East basically)
ACC West: UT, Baylor, TT, KSU, ISU
ACC Atlantic: UVA, VT, UNC, Duke, NC State
ACC South: FSU, Miami, GT, Clemson, Wake

It would be a pretty good league actually.

we all love hypotheticals on this board, so here's another one. assuming the ACCN delay further pressures ND to go all in and they agree to do it. I had previously said, along with many others, that Cincy is the most likely 16th assuming no P5 team is available. However, let's consider a few points. I would also assume that the ACCN does come to fruition if ND is all in (probably a safe bet).

1. ND being all in changes the game. The 16th is of much less consequence given the gravity of ND joining.
2. The 16th should still be selected in terms of what they give the ACC that they don't already have: TV market/ACCN, recruiting territory, football prowess, basketball prowess.

UConn brings good basketball, but we already have basketball in spades. Football is dreadful and most likely always will be. There are very little recruits coming from that area. We already have a foothold in that TV market with Syracuse and ND.

Cincy brings decent football and basketball. It is also a good recruiting area. However, I would argue that Ohio is OSU territory and always will be. Adding Cincy will not put the ACC into Ohio any further than ND and Louisville already do for us.

Drum roll...

Houston: Large university with decent football with a much higher ceiling than the other options. New recruiting territory and TV markets for the ACCN. Also another possible ACC - SEC rivalry with aTm. Travel concerns are mitigated by 2 very large airports in Houston. It also further marginalizes the Big12.

Is it a dumb idea? Maybe, but this is a message board

It's not a dumb idea. 67-68 they made the 3rd place game in the NCAA tournament, and in 82-4 they were in the final fours. They have a history even if it is 30 years old at this point. I think it fits their MO, and it does add a major market. I admit I don't know much about their academics, which may be an issue. But if SEC/Big 10 raid the ACC or if they need a 16th, Houston does make sense. Backfilling could bring Memphis, Houston, and Cincy in, and I am more up on Temple than many. Toss in UConn and ND to get to 20 or 18 if it is a backfill. Interestingly, Memphis, Houston, and Cincy would all also be Big 12 candidates if they are not raided too.