(05-22-2020 08:46 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-22-2020 01:09 AM)ClairtonPanther Wrote:  I know that this would result in a loss of TV revenue, but perhaps worth the risk. I think Pitt should go back to independent, and use a league (like ND does) for bowl tie-ins. I miss the traditional schedule Pitt had with BC, Temple, Rutgers, Navy, WVU, Syracuse and so on. There's zero traditional rivals on our schedule.

Your suggestion is perfectly reasonable from most POVs, it is only "radical" from a $$$ POV. As an outsider, I have fond memories of Pitt as an independent. Joining the Big East didn't really change that as it just kind of codified in conference terms the teams Pitt was basically scheduling anyway as an independent. But the ACC schedule is radically different and as you say there just aren't historical connections there.

Won't happen, because the money loss would be huge, but I understand why you would prefer that independent schedule. I think in an ideal world, many of us would like to see basically that schedule of teams you list, minus Notre Dame, as part of a "northeast" conference that never was. i would substitute Penn State for VT, as VT has proven a good fit in every way with the ACC.

The issue in practical terms is why the ACC needs a GOR more than any other conference. They can't afford to have the grafted Northeastern schools leave and take markets away anymore than they can afford to lose their 2 football powers who could make a lot more elsewhere. This GOR was designed to hold parts in the ACC not to strengthen the union. Without Clemson and Florida State and without the Northeastern markets what would be left? How could Tobacco Road afford their fiefdom if not for the indentured servitude of the serfs?

It was pretty clear when the additions were made that the Northeastern schools WVU included were looking for any port in a storm. The coming of the Super Conference was believed to be a fete accompli and nobody wanted to be left out.

Then the farce of the market footprint model predicated upon a dying concept killed by improving technology led to more abominable moves for every major conference but the PAC.

I have to wonder at what point the giant stretches that were made will naturally try to snap back into old form. It may be accelerated by loss of revenue from COVID or by pressure in the disparity of revenue that is growing a chasm among the P5, but it's coming.

Should there be a breakaway I could easily see the accommodation of Pitt Syracuse, West Virginia , Miami, Boston College and a few others even if they rejoined the Big East and were worked in for scheduling in a new closed upper tier of football schools. It would also be the avenue for Notre Dame to play in it but keep their independence.

So I find Clairton's feelings to be somewhat prophetic. At least he gives voice to what many here have long suspected and when voiced were frequently accused of being ACC haters. It's just not hard to see the fault lines in a conference that was manufactured instead of naturally accreted.

IMO the Big 10 and SEC and Big 12 need to be more honest about their mistakes as well instead of playing happy families.