Update: Maryland’s departure leaves ACC with 13
UPDATED, 12:56 p.m. with John Swofford statement: Maryland has left the ACC to join the Big Ten. Rutgers is expected to follow suit, leaving the Big East.
Maryland will reportedly begin Big Ten play in 2014-15. Until the ACC can find a replacement, it leaves the conference with an uneven 13 teams. Maryland was a charter member of the ACC at the league’s formation in 1953. It is just the second school to leave the ACC since its founding in 1953, following South Carolina in 1971.
“Our best wishes are extended to all of the people associated with the University of Maryland,” ACC commissioner John Swofford said in a statement. “Since our inception, they have been an outstanding member of our conference and we are sorry to see them exit. For the past 60 years the Atlantic Coast Conference has exhibited leadership in academics and athletics. This is our foundation and we look forward to building on it as we move forward.”
The athletic department has faced considerable financial stress, cutting seven teams over the summer. The Big Ten’s television revenues were undoubtedly a factor. The Big Ten distributed $284 million to its 12 teams for the 2012 fiscal year, a per-school average of $23.7 million.
ACC teams will receive $12.3 million in the current fiscal year, although the league will re-do its ESPN deal as a result of Notre Dame’s contract to play five ACC games annually. (It’s likely Maryland’s departure will also figure into negotiations.)
Consider this: According to reports from ESPN and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in May and June, Big Ten newcomer Nebraska did not receive a full share, drawing about $14 million while the other 11 schools took $24.6 million.
While the addition of Maryland and Rutgers will likely cause the Big Ten’s television deals to be re-done, were the math to hold, Maryland would receive more in a partial share as a Big Ten member than it would as a full ACC member.
There is the matter of the $50 million exit fee, instituted in September, to leave the ACC. It is interesting to note that Maryland president Wallace Loh voted against the fee increase, from $20 million, on “legal and philosophical grounds.” Florida State was the only other school to vote against it.
Loh told the Post that he disagreed with “punishing people if they simply exit a relationship.” The article also stated that Loh repeatedly praised the school’s relationship with the ACC and that it would continue to be a part of the league for years to come.
The obvious possibility to fill the 14th spot would be Notre Dame, which entered a deal with the ACC to join the conference for every sport but football and play five games annually against ACC football teams. The rise of the Fighting Irish on the football field likely lessens that possibility. Given the team’s declining stature in recent seasons, the school’s bargaining power with both the BCS and NBC had likely shrunk. However, with Notre Dame (at least for this season) a national title contender, its viability to remain an independent with a seat at the BCS table and to command a better television contract (presumably from NBC) than it could as a full ACC member has probably improved.
From a competition standpoint, how the ACC handles 13 teams, particularly in football, is going to be a bit of a challenge. The Big Ten was not separated into divisions when it was an 11-team league and did not face the predicament of one division with seven teams and the other with six, which would be the ACC’s lot starting in 2014 if it cannot find a 14th member.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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171 comments Add your comment
Supersenior
November 19th, 2012
12:03 pm
Good point about ND’s resurgence meaning it doesn’t need the ACC.
Jacket Fan
November 19th, 2012
12:03 pm
Go get Louisville.
www
November 19th, 2012
12:06 pm
get penn state.
www
November 19th, 2012
12:09 pm
but no rush on getting a 14th team, really.
notre dame is a de facto 14th member at the moment, just playing a 5 team schedule rather than a full 8.
no need to make a change just to balance out the schedule any time soon.
www
November 19th, 2012
12:13 pm
as far as mayland goes, good riddance.they bring very little to the table, other than a mostly disinterested washington dc tv market that is more interested in redskins football than anything maryland has put on the field in the past few decades.
if the terps would rather play iowa, illinois, purdue, northwestern, indiana and minnesota than unc, duke, fsu, clemson, gt, vt, virginia, nc state, etc, then more power to them.
to me, this is more an indictment of the terrible tv deals that the acc office has saddled their members with than anything else.
TX Jacket
November 19th, 2012
12:17 pm
make a play for PSU and UConn to get to 15 plus Notre Dame
George Stein
November 19th, 2012
12:17 pm
The most critical aspect of this is that the ACC must hold firm on the buyout. Other than that, if anyone wants to watch Maryland-Indiana in football, knock yourself out.
B. Thenet
November 19th, 2012
12:23 pm
Rumors around the B1G that they have been speaking to Tech, UNC, and Virginia. Though they would prefer UNC and UVA, Tech is an option for them.
Kitster
November 19th, 2012
12:25 pm
The Big Ten couldn’t split into two divisions with only 11 teams anyway. Per the SEC doing so in 1992 – a conference can split into divisions and have a championship game with 12 teams… per the NCAA.. right?
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
12:36 pm
I can’t imagine Louisville being invited to join the ACC because of their low academic ranking. I don’t see Penn State leaving the Big Ten. Maryland and Rutgers are two of their traditional rivals and are less than 4 hours drives.
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 19th, 2012
12:48 pm
Not sure the Lady Jackets want UConn.
Paul in NH
November 19th, 2012
12:52 pm
PS won’t leave the B1G and ND is a few years away from joining a league. UConn is the most likely team to join the ACC. That will produce one heck of a b’ball league
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 19th, 2012
12:54 pm
Might be cool to steal Vandy.
Bye Bye Maryland
November 19th, 2012
12:57 pm
Hate to lose an original member of the ACC. But, bye bye Maryland. Empty stadiums don’t help and they will have a hard time filling it if they can’t win in the Big 10. Would love for Penn State to join ACC, but next ACC team could be UConn, or possibly Vanderbilt. Vandy is having a good year in football this year, but can’t compete on a year-to-year basis in the SEC. It fits in well with the academics of the ACC, plus it could be more competitive in football in the ACC.
REW
November 19th, 2012
1:14 pm
Its just Maryland……
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 19th, 2012
1:17 pm
It will take Maryland 5+ years to break even from the $50,000,000 penalty. That’s not what I would call a solid financial plan. A lot of negative things can happen in 5 years. I wonder if the fans like it.
Habersham Dawg
November 19th, 2012
1:21 pm
Why would Vandy leave SEC money for ACC money?
www
November 19th, 2012
1:24 pm
they wouldn’t. vandy is not coming to the acc, though it makes sense for other reasons.
Dave1
November 19th, 2012
1:32 pm
The ACC should invite Central Florida or Temple.
will
November 19th, 2012
1:34 pm
garbage move for Maryland and the Big Ten – someone tell Delany that Hawaii is unhappy in the WAC – that Honolulu market is a monster! And who in the nation doesn’t want to see Hawaii/Maryland in football? Or Hawaii/Rutgers in football. Can’t wait!
Bill
November 19th, 2012
1:34 pm
This isn’t about what school is best anymore for a conference. It’s about markets….period. Maryland and Pa St were rumored to be Big 10 bound as far back as the late 70’s. This shouldn’t shock anyone with the 5th wheel status the ACC has in the new Football Post Season in 2 years. If Swofford didn’t get the ACC into the Big 5, FSU would have bolted in a New York minute.Still may, but wonder if alum really want to play Iowa St and Kansas on the road every other year….nasty travel for those Floridian sunshine lovers.
The real question now becomes if the Big10 wants to go to 16. Doubt UNC would leave the ACC, but UVa comes into play as a natural rival for Md and Pa St. So does Tech, but can’t see GT as an outpost for the Big10 with no other Southern partner. UVa and Kansas make much more sense. All universities going to the Big 10 have to be AAU members. UNC, UVA and Tech fit the criteria.
Expect Swofford to call Vandy and Kansas this week to find out if they are interested. The ACC has to do something quick to entice UVa and possibly Tech to stay. UConn isn’t something that would make those 2 happy if the Big10 called. Besides, they have lost the NY/NJ market as well as the Baltimore market.The D.C. market to some extent, too. Adding Hartford isn’t New York. UConn gets some pub in NYC, but it’s secondary. Besdes, Rutgers has become NYC’s adopted team last few years.Nashville/Memphis and KC/SL would give the ACC good markets in place of Baltimore.
The ACC should have saw this coming…think they did when MD voted against the 50 mill exit fee. Honestly, it hurts, but losing UVa would be much, much worse.So would losing Tech. It’s beginning again…..Conference Realignment a Go-Go.
Habersham Dawg
November 19th, 2012
1:35 pm
So what the ACC should look for is a strong academic school in a weaker conference that shares many of the schools other characteristics, such as very strong academics, strong in basketball, and good in football. So, real legitimate schools would be Louisville, Syracuse, Memphis, Northern Illinois, and Kent State. I think Memphis would be a good fit with the ACC or Syracuse.
Ken Sugiura
November 19th, 2012
1:35 pm
kitster – you’re right.
B. Thenet – i’m pretty confident there’s not much to that talk.
Give me a break – true, but something tells me MaChelle Joseph wouldn’t be casting the deciding vote on this one.
Vanderbilt would not leave. It’s a good fit, obviously, but the difference in money makes it a non-starter.
CBS Sports is reporting the league is already talking to Cincinnati, UConn, Louisville and South Florida.
maryland is for crabs
November 19th, 2012
1:37 pm
This is about money only. As an ACC fan Maryland was just kind of Blah anyway…they were a charter member of the conference but who counted them among their worst enemies? Not UVA…not UNC. I dont see any difference for them in the Big 10 other than money….Maryland vs Northwestern will have the same appeal as Maryland vs NC State…buh bye….nobody in the Big 10 is fearing the turtle…but even worse, nobody in the ACC is missing them!
jbright
November 19th, 2012
1:37 pm
Why would Penn State leave the Big 10 for the ACC and earn less Money? That’s just dumb. As long as Notre Dame has the NBC contract you can forget them joining the ACC in football. I think Byrd stadium will get filled when you play Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State their fans travel well. What Maryland fan wants to see them play ACC Juggernauts like UVA, Duke and Wake Forest in football? In addition Georgia Tech, Miami, and BC are a shell of what they used to be. NC State has been down after Phillip Rivers left; North Carolina has NCAA issues thanks to Butch Davis; and VATech is having a down year.
From a Basketball perspective only playing Duke and North Carolina once a year and Pitt twice a year made this decision easier. Since 2000 Maryland Basketball has been the only other ACC school to win a National Championship aside from Duke or North Carolina. Maryland has had some bad years since their title run so in essence the ACC has been a 2 team conference that now ranks behind the Big 10. NC State in now becoming relevant again. Adding Syracuse and Pitt will last until Boehiem retires and truth be told they really did not want to come to the ACC. Maryland will have new Basketball rivalries like Michigan State, Indiana (Who they beat for the National Title), Illinois and perhaps Michigan. UMD gets more money and escapes the Carolina bias that all ACC schools feel who are not from North or South Carolina.
J to the G
November 19th, 2012
1:49 pm
It’s a musical chairs death match amongst the BCS conferences: four will become sixteen team super-conferences, the music will stop, and the other two (likely the Big East and now either the Big XII or ACC) will get the remaining scraps. It’s about TV money; the ACC is now in a bad spot because they not only have a poorer TV contract, but that contract runs to 2027.
As a Maryland alum/fan, I can’t say I’m thrilled. But the arguments against the move mostly revolve around an ACC that doesn’t exist any more. Our ‘rival’ was slated to be Pittsburgh, with whom we have almost no history. We would only play basketball against Duke OR UNC at home each year, and possibly only one game against each. And, really: does anyone *want* to play Wake Forest or Boston College in football (or basketball, for that matter)?
Add to all this: my Terps are already bad in football, so being a B1G doormat won’t be much different (except at least we get to have Michigan, Ohio St, etc. come to Byrd). On the other hand, this past weekend proved how incredibly awful the ACC is in football, outside of FSU. The three most recent arrivals are all struggling this year, and half of the championship matchup was decided by a combo of Duke/GA Tech (the latter having been terrible for much of the year, the former being, well, Duke) and Miami banning itself from competing.
Bill
November 19th, 2012
1:51 pm
The Irish joig the ACC can only help….seriously, CBS Sports must be throwing names out there.South Florida wouldn’t be a good fit because of Miami.No need, unless Miami wants them in the ACC.UConn is the Usual Suspect, but would think the ACC knows they have them if they can’t do better. Otherwise, Rutgers would have already received an invite by now.
Louisville is possibility. Getting into a Southern state that recruits nationally and has geographic inlets around Ohio isn’t all that bad. Cincy is probably not big enough TV wise for the ACC, but ity does push them into Big 10 country a bit more. Think they better look at biggertargets to prevent losing UVa. They HAVE to be thinking about the Big10 in Charlottesville this afternoon, if only to cover all bases.ACC can’t afford to lose UVa.
BTW, jbright, you are 100 % wrong about Pitt and Syracuse. They asked the ACC for an invite. Syracuse was an ACC target when VT was forced into the ACC. The campus was like a morgue when they found out they weren’t coming to the ACC back then.
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
1:52 pm
Im not sure in 5 years that anyone will care that Maryland ever left. Of all the teams in the ACC they were probably the easiest to let go of.
Saban never sleeps
November 19th, 2012
1:54 pm
La Tech, MTSU or Florida International all would love to be in the ACC. Maybe the ACC Champs and the Conference USA Champs can have a “who gives a crap” title game in the papa john bowl.
Dadgum.........
November 19th, 2012
1:55 pm
Seeing Maryland leave makes my day. Now if we could just get rid of Duke. Seriously, of course that’s not happening because we have to have some guaranteed wins. Anyway all this begs the question, WWFSD. What will Florida State do. I will guarantee you the ACC fee is quasi in nature and they will never get 50 mil no matter how hard a stand they take. Florida State will get courted like a prom queen….again. John Swofford has probably been on the phone with FSU all morning and last night begging FSU to hang around.
I’m not sure GT is going anywhere but if FSU is lured away by say the Big 12 then I can all but assure you Clemson is leaving. VT may as well eventhough they are required by law to remain in the ACC as long as UVA is in the league. That hasn’t been tested but may soon. All of this has to do with basketball driving the bus instead of football. In addition it is the fraternal handshake amongst the “big 4″ of Wake, Duke, UNC, and NCSU that many of the other members resent or are starting to do so. The ACC simply isn’t real relevant in football and I’m not sure that GT is best served by the association with the conference any longer.
Think about it. The ACC has expanded recently with BC, VT, Pitt, Syracuse. Now the main talk is UConn taking Maryland’s spot. VT has ben a Godsend and without them this conference would really be in bad shape. FSU is watching closely and GT,VT, Clemson, and Miami are watching FSU closely. If FSU goes and I would say it is 50/50 then the dominoes will fall. Swofford has a magician act to do to keep FSU. It will need to be more elaborate than pulling a rabbit out of the hat. The act is not named UConn.
Peach Fuzz
November 19th, 2012
2:03 pm
The ACC added Pitt and Syracuse and lost Md. A sum gain. If they add UConn, a very big university with a widespread alumni base, and a bright university future, equals an even greater sum gain. Don’t get fr this that ACC is crumbling. I understand Md going to BIG, a lateral academic move. FSU and Clemson will not opt for SEC or B12 resulting in step down academically.
2 cents
November 19th, 2012
2:11 pm
@dadgum…if GT were better it would be easier to support your notion (”not sure that GT is best served by the association with the conference any longer”) …I’m a long-timeTech fan that thinks we are capable of so much more, but we arent a beauty queen either. Would Tech leave if they got a Big 10 invite? Maybe we should, lord knows we need the money. But we arent in a position to say the ACC doesnt deserve us. To me it feels like the right conference for us. An unlikely upgrade would be SEC or Big 10 (careful what you ask for)….and we wont consider a downgrade to Big East.
Dadgum.........
November 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
Money talks and bullsh**t walks. Swofford better be doing some sweet talking because while the conference isn’t crumbling the small tremors have at least jarred the mortar. Football drives the bus and the rear wheel just had a blowout, ok, maybe the spare needs replacing but who we get as a replacement needs to be someone that makes the other passengers happy as far as football is concerned and is at least adequate academically. Cincinnati sure could make some sense here.
J to the G
November 19th, 2012
2:13 pm
@Peach Fuzz – while I wouldn’t yet say the ACC is crumbling, if FSU and Miami bolt (hello 16-team SEC?), then it’s a different ballgame. Plus, in terms of replacement members, the ACC is looking at diminishing returns, both in terms of fan bases and media markets. Anyway, if this is the start of the next round of conference realignment, expect it to get ugly in a hurry… if nobody has yet, we should start the Big East Deathwatch…
Bill
November 19th, 2012
2:14 pm
Dadgum..like I said, ACC has to think bigger than UConn. But there is a real interesting scenario unfolding with Uva and FSU on opposite sides of the issue.
UVa leaving is a real possibility. Especially if the Big 10 wants them.. UConn would actually be better for UVa staying than say, Louisville or S Florida. But FSU wouldn’t want UConn. They would probably prefer Louisville. Now, Swofford is faced with a choice of appeasing one school and potentially alienating another.If FSU does want the Big 12, Clemson will follow. Miami and GT wouldn’t be far behind.Seriously, that could happen with the new SEC-Big 12 tie-in. Swofford knows this…..so, he has to at least do something that at least pleases both Va and FSU. Not an easy situation. Sure he was aware of this the day Md voted against the 50 mill fee.
You would think ND joining would be enough to keep other members happy. But the Big10 offers huge money, something the ACC can’t do right now.TheSEC tried a pre-emptive strike against the ACC when they signed the Big 12 to a title game, thus eliminating the need for Texas and Oklahoma to leave.Honestly, the ACC is in a rough spot if the Big 10 calls UVa.or Tech. Believe me, both would go. The money is huge for either to ignore.
Don’t bellieve me?….who ever would have thought TxA&M would have left Texas? Or even Md leaving UVa a few years ago.The world in athletics is about super greed and positioning yourself in a shrinking gold mine that has become College Football. It’s going to be 4 16 team Super Conferences….with the Big12 or ACC eating the scraps. This is why Swofford has to act NOW.
Notre Dame
November 19th, 2012
2:15 pm
is playing this brilliantly…half hearted comittment to the ACC (fills their schedule and serves their interests) while waiting on the conference alignment BS to finish….meanwhile they are relevant again. I hate it but they are in a position of strength again.
Habersham Dawg
November 19th, 2012
2:16 pm
I’d forgotten that Syracuse and Pitt would already be joining the ACC. UConn or Memphis would be a good addition.
Terpman
November 19th, 2012
2:16 pm
As a Maryland grad and fan….from a $ standpoint almost to good to be true for Terps, on the $50M exit fee, that is being negotiated ….FSU was the other school who balked at the Exit fee, I could see them in the SEC, very easily….Suddenly Terps have 40% more revenue potential, no wonder why Terps acted so fast, and Big 10 wanted the TV markets of Balt/Wash and then Rutgers gives them NJ/NYC….ACC is in a tough spot, strong rumor that UCONN replaces Terps, good for Bball…Maryland looking to the future will not have to worry about $
Dadgum.........
November 19th, 2012
2:17 pm
Has anyone else heard the rumor that the NCAA will not allow Tech to go to a bowl if they lose to Georgia and FSU and end up with a losing record? They are retracting the UCLA rule from last year. Ken, have you heard anything on this?
Peach Fuzz
November 19th, 2012
2:20 pm
Jto the G, UNC, UVa, Duke and Wake, belong to the same academic fraternity that others wud like to join. FSU andLemson admins will not sacrifice academics for football. Neither would Shaleili (sp ) allow Miamito move either. Miami officials want to clean up their act as well, and therefore wud not leave the ACC as well.
www
November 19th, 2012
2:24 pm
can we give boston college back to the big east in exchange for west virginia from the big 12? maybe throw in syracuse and wake forest in an effort to get texas or oklahoma?
makes as much sense as maryland in the big 10/13.
Bill
November 19th, 2012
2:24 pm
Maryland voting unaminously to leave was a shock to me. They must have felt left out since UVa -VT became chief ACC rivals.It’s a smart move for MD financially.
Seriously, UVa will be contacted by the Big10…then again, maybe they already were beforer Rutgers.
No way the ACC allows Md to downgrade the fee of 50 mill. Would be like opening the door for FSU to leave if the school was ticked over UConn replacing Md…..remember, it’s all about the Gridiron.
www
November 19th, 2012
2:25 pm
but honestly – penn state is in play.
the acc office should be doing whatever is possible to get penn state in the acc.
Dadgum.........
November 19th, 2012
2:25 pm
Bill……yep totally agree with you. One thing to keep in mind and not many are aware of this. VT is bound by law to remain in teh ACC as long as UVA does. It was UVA that made the grand stand on getting VT in the conference but VT cant bolt at will. They would have already left if that wasnt the case. If there was ever a team that could benefit greatly from an SEC perspective it is VT. I havent heard any of the UVA talk about leaving but if they do you can bet your very last dollar VT is gone.
If Memphis ever entered the ACC they would lose every member they had.
Bill Campbell
November 19th, 2012
2:26 pm
No PSU. Too much baggage.
Dadgum.........
November 19th, 2012
2:29 pm
Penn State would be foolish to leave Big 10 money for ACC money. Not to mention the uneasy footing in the conference as we speak.
jbright
November 19th, 2012
2:33 pm
Once again, why would PSU leave the BIG Ten for less ACC money! Get real it will never happen and ND will never join it football either!
Based on Loh’s comments Maryland is going to the courts to have the exit fee reduced.
Dadgum.........
November 19th, 2012
2:34 pm
Just from my own selfish perspective, I am about ready for GT to find new conference playmates anyway. We’ve been in the ACC 30 years and most marriages dont last half that long. Bringing along the Atlanta market to the Big 10 makes us attractive. It’s a huge upgrade in football and slight upgrade in basketball recently. Laterally academically I would guess. The more I type this the better it sounds.
Dadgum.........
November 19th, 2012
2:37 pm
The Big 10 is paying the Maryland exit fee difference if Maryland doesnt get it reduced via the ACC. Now that’s deep pockets!
Rock on…….looks like GT isn’t going to a bowl game without upsetting UGA or FSU. Damn. Crazy year!
jbright
November 19th, 2012
2:37 pm
Dadgum the BIG Ten is ranked above the ACC in Basketball. Maryland did not go to the BIG Ten they came to UMD. UMD is a contiguous State with another BIG Ten school, I don’t think Georgia meets that requirement.
J to the G
November 19th, 2012
2:41 pm
Hmm, the internet ate my last comment. Anyway, as others have pointed out: Penn State isn’t going anywhere, the ACC has nothing better to offer. It seems more likely the B1G is lining up schools 15 and 16.
Florida State *might* hang in the ACC for academic reasons, but this is football + Florida we’re talking about here; it doesn’t take much imagination to see them sacrificing integrity for $$$.
Dadgum.........
November 19th, 2012
2:41 pm
jbright……I said they were an upgrade over the ACC. Slight upgrade> Lets not get carried away. Also the contiguous states thing didn’t bother the Big 10 back in 2010. Guess we will see but one thing is certain. Things are going to get messier before they are clearer.
Bill
November 19th, 2012
2:44 pm
jbright….that “continguous state ” thing is just talk by the Big10 before they strike at their next target. Ironic…if ND did join the Big10, none of this would happen. Again, like when ACC poached BC, Miami and Syracuse( yes, before VT was mandated into ACC), the conference had started another wave of expansion by adding the Irish.This one couild be mortal if the ACC doesn’t act wisely and quickly.
Bill
November 19th, 2012
2:51 pm
OMT…don’t you think the Pac12 and SEC are already discussing their next move to counter the BIG? The ACC and Big 12 are in play. Think Texas has chosen to stay in the Big 12, means the ACC may be in serious trouble as we know it. ACC better hope Texas, Ok and Ok St want to join the Pac 16..otherwise, FSU is in serious playfor the Big 12…..count on it.
The more you think about it from the other conferences’ perspective, the ACC is in serious trouble.Doubt very much Pac 12 will hold at 12….ACC’s fate may come down to what Pac 12 decides to do with Ok, Ok St and Texas.
WnE
November 19th, 2012
2:56 pm
GT screwed up again!
GT should have tried to snake Md’s spot in the B1G Ten and hopefully upgraded their FB schedule by getting away from the crappy ACC.
Also there are lots of Big Ten alums in the Metro Atl area that would help sell out BDS@HGF since we can’t do it with our own fans.
Staying in the ACC will eventually KILL GT’s Athletic Program!
But it will kill it slowly so many of the GT fans refuse to see what’s happening by staying in the crappy ACC.
Anything to get away from the ACC!
JoeFan
November 19th, 2012
3:01 pm
Ohio State Board is reporting there is a vary strong possibility that an invitation is going out from the Big10 to GA Tech
Peach Fuzz
November 19th, 2012
3:14 pm
JoeFan, if Ohio St fans said it, it must be true. Remember what Tressel said, equiv to I did not have sex with that woman.
Terpman
November 19th, 2012
3:27 pm
Is interesting that this story on Terps possibly joining Big 10 broken around 7 pm Saturday night, in less than 48 hrs, was a done deal…Now let the fun begin, no way GT goes to Big 10…Rutgers supposedly goes Tuesday AM
Terpman
November 19th, 2012
3:31 pm
The ACC is a 4 school Carolina conf , first and foremost….Basketball first , football an afterthought….is all about the TV market, rumor was Big 10 was after Terps back in July, why do think Maryland did NOT agree to that BS exit fee of $50M
billyBobjacket
November 19th, 2012
3:40 pm
Vandy not likely to leave the SEC unless kicked out. The SEC splits on obscene amount of money between its members with all the bowl tie-ins and seemingly annual national championships in multiple sports.
www
November 19th, 2012
3:41 pm
terpman, enjoy playing northwestern, indiana, illinois, iowa, purdue, minnesota, etc in football.
let us know how much fun lincoln, nebraska, is in december!
buh bye for now.
JoeFan
November 19th, 2012
3:51 pm
Big10 supposedly eyeing 16 teams with GA Tech being one of the additions giving them entry into the southeast.
John Martiin
November 19th, 2012
3:54 pm
I will miss the ACC – attended Maryland in 1953 when the conference started. I will miss the basketball rivalries and the lacrosse NCAA championships which have been ACC dominated.
5150 UOAD
November 19th, 2012
4:04 pm
Under Armor owner is a FOOL……….get PENN ST.
gt4ever
November 19th, 2012
4:06 pm
@WnE
GT is still an option for the Big 10… It’s not over yet…
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
4:06 pm
The rumor from the Big Ten last year was that they wanted Notre Dame, plus 2 of these 3: Maryland, Georgia Tech and Rutgers.
If Louisville or Memphis is invited, I might abandon the ACC.
The only opposition to UConn will be from Syracuse.
5150 UOAD
November 19th, 2012
4:07 pm
TECH will not join the Big10……..No Fans will travel to the games after the end of September past the 1st ever visit to see the stadium and campus. I will not pay to sit outside and freeze……thank GOD for the GA DOME……
gt4ever
November 19th, 2012
4:09 pm
@UOAD
We should be in the SEC… If we can’t get back to our roots and history, then the Big 10 is the best place. The ACC is just terrible. Period.
Ken Sugiura
November 19th, 2012
4:13 pm
don’t use other people’s handles. come on.
consider this a one-time warning.
MDFan
November 19th, 2012
4:20 pm
While this was a bit of a surprise as a Maryland fan, there is no more loyality in college sports when so much money is on the line. In fact, there isn’t a school in the ACC who would not have taken the call from the BIG Ten and seriously considered the increase in money that a move would provide. Anybody who doesn’t believe that has obviously forgotten the distaste that was left in the mouths of Syracuse administrators after their school was initially passed over when the ACC expanded with the likes of Va Tech, BC, and Miami. Moreover, one only has to look at the sheer panic that ensued at Big East schools like West Virginia, UConn, and Rutges when the ACC made its most recent acquisitions. These schools were burning up the phone lines trying to secure a spot in the ACC and a share of the revenue and would have done ANYTHING to get it. West Virgina got theirs in the Big 12 and Rutgers is gonna get theirs in the Big Ten. For the most part the ACC can call anybody it wants from the Big East and the lesser conferences to add to their ranks. However, as long as there is more money to be had, the ACC is now the favorite conference to pluck from. It’s all very disappointing but such is the reality of collegiate sports in the 21st century.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
4:21 pm
51 – The weather isn’t that bad. Besides, the Big Ten schools don’t hurt for attendance. Most of them have large fan bases for football that travel, unlike most of the ACC. Wake Forest, Duke and Miami have lower undergrad enrollments lower than Georgia Tech (4,000, 8,000, 10,000 with Tech at 13,000). Northwestern is the only school in the Big Ten smaller than Tech.
5150 UOAD
November 19th, 2012
4:23 pm
gt4ever the SEC is scared of GT. It would make most every other SEC school look stupid. The Georgia Regents is full of MUTTS and will never let that happen. TECH being able to get SEC talent that actually has a BRAIN would make the SEC run for cover. Look what Vandy is doing and how the Mutts are now MAD and fear VANDY.
Eddie Lee
November 19th, 2012
4:34 pm
Rutgers is a NJ state school and not that great academically….i dont think the ACC would look twice at them and am surprised that the Big 10 would. Likewise Memphis, USF and Louisville dont represent great TV markets for the ACC, nor are they academically or athletically attractive.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
4:35 pm
Rutgers is a fine academic school and a member of the Association of American Universities.
yeller bug
November 19th, 2012
4:38 pm
The best thing for the ACC is to win some football games—winning produces good TV contracts—can start this Sat with FSU-UF, GT-UGA, Clemson-SC, and WF-Vanderbilt. Start winning more of these SEC-ACC matchups then the TV money will come.
ramblingbuzz
November 19th, 2012
4:41 pm
I hope GT doesn’t go to the Big 10. It may make financial sense and college FB is a business, but the thought of GT playing those midwestern teams leaves me cold.
CM
November 19th, 2012
4:53 pm
The ACC should add Towson University so they can maintain the Baltimore/Washington television market. They would also provide about the same level of lackluster competition as Maryland without the hideous uniforms.
Saban never sleeps
November 19th, 2012
4:54 pm
The weakest always get eaten first!!!
Bill
November 19th, 2012
4:59 pm
EddieLee,you are a fool when you say Rutgers isn’t that great academically. It’s one of the most highly accredited institutions in the USA. It’s an AAU member school…Tech just got admitted to that very select group in 2010. In fact, the BIG won’t even consider adding a school that isn’t among those highly respected institutions in the AAU.You seemingly confuse academics with athletics in this case.Fact ACC didn’t jump into NJ/NYC market is most strange fact of all of this. They obviously could have since Rutgers was pleading to join ACC just like UConn has been since Pitt and Syracuse were added.ACC must have been scared off by Rutgers football, but this will backfire on Swofford when BIG 10 adds them Tuesday.
Thing people don’t get is that adding Memphis or S Florida is like adding another school like Clemson. Great athletics, but doesn’t have stellar academic resume. No offense to them, but if ACC wants to seperate itself from SEC, it has to do so academically when adding other institutions.Adding Memphis would be a disgrace in that regard.
When the Big 10 took in Nebraska, they took a lot of heat from the academic folks. Every other BIG10 school is an AAU member, so they are pretty much set on taking only new members that are AAU certified. ( BTW, Pitt is, Syracuse isn’t ACC fans).Means UVa, UNC, Duke and GT are the only other AAU ACC schools.You can draw your own conclusions from there.
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
4:59 pm
I hope GT doesn’t go to the Big 10.
I am with you. That would pretty much kill college athletics for me. I would still support Tech, but I can’t say I will be all that excited every Saturday.
ACC BBall Fan
November 19th, 2012
5:04 pm
Bye, bye Terps: May the door hit you in the butt on your way out. We know that you are leaving because you’re crying that the Terps basketball team is no relevant in the ACC. You can’t beat Duke/UNC and we got Pitt and Syracuse coming with their better basketball programs and the Terps can’t stand it.
WOW!!!
November 19th, 2012
5:07 pm
One of Maryland’s primary reason for leaving is because they cannot fill the football stadium. What they are missing is if they had a better football product the stadium would be full. Mistake!!!
Mike
November 19th, 2012
5:08 pm
But think about this, if GA Tech does go to B1G, they can get more money from them then ACC and getting away from the Tobacco Road Mafia. I believe that GT needs to stay in ACC but this could be like a TAMU situation and how good they were still day one.
SansWorld
November 19th, 2012
5:08 pm
What does the Big 10 gain from this?
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
5:12 pm
Bill – “When the Big 10 took in Nebraska, they took a lot of heat from the academic folks.”
The AAU kicked Nebraska after they joined the Big Ten. Too much of their research was agriculture-related.
GTville
November 19th, 2012
5:13 pm
This opens the door for 3 more ACC teams. ND, TX, and OK
eddie Lee
November 19th, 2012
5:17 pm
I am not a fool and but I am confused from time to time…I was simply misinformed about Rutgers. But thanks for your kindness and happy thanksgiving to you as well.
d1reality
November 19th, 2012
5:17 pm
Terps 3-12 record in ACC football last two years. Good luck in Big 10.
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
5:21 pm
But think about this, if GA Tech does go to B1G, they can get more money from them then ACC and getting away from the Tobacco Road Mafia
I would rather stay in the ACC for less money. Not only would we be playing an extremely weird football schedule but it would cripple a lot of our other sports. The money isn’t worth it.
thomas
November 19th, 2012
5:22 pm
Lets get the numbers right this is all about tv markets and money maryland did”nt want ot leave but maryland will make 2times what they would have made in the acc, but if you think theb acc w it’s terrible tv contact adds up to the big ten think again all of you for that kind of money would do the same thing, so dont be upset with maryland be upset with John Swafford and the petiful tv deal he and the other presidents constructed for there tv deal
GTBuzz85
November 19th, 2012
5:23 pm
I understand it is all about money. But this is still disappointing. I have many fond memories of the Maryland / Tech rivalry games against Lefty Dresell. Wow how we loved beating him! Money continues to trump tradition.
Dadgum.....
November 19th, 2012
5:23 pm
The Big 10 gains a huge shot in the arm into the Southern tier schools with a school par excellence. Rich football history and a tough as hell opponent. GT recruiting will get a shot in the arm for sure. Big 10 took Maryland, they would get three times the member in GT and the South market.
BC, Pitt, Syracuse, Wake, Virginia, NC State, Duke…. Do I need to give you anymore weak sisters as ammo to leave the ACC. The Big 10 sure has its share but nothing as bad as the ACC. I haven’t even started on basketball yet. Oh my……Big 10. Money to boot!
Bill
November 19th, 2012
5:24 pm
Tech would be four hours fromm the closest BIG10 school. Can’t see Tech leaving unless they get a southern partner….means UVa would be only real partner since Duke and UNC aren’t going anywhere….of course, you never know.BIG10 gets a southern market like Atlanta, which would be intriguing Remember, when ACC went into Boston…same as if Tech went into BIG10.
Why doesn’t the ACC look at NAVY as an associate member for Football? Gives them a better alternative than most of the other names. Seriously, Navy fits . Allows Ga-Gt, Clem-S Car, etc to still be season ending games. Navy-Army doesn’t disrupt anything.. unless you really want UConn to join Pitt,Syr and BC as a Northern ACC pod.
Think it would be a very hard sell for Tech football fans to play Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, NW and Purdue. Playing Mich, Ohio St, Mich St, Nebraska,Pa St and Illinois( maybe Wisconsin) would draw. Hoops would draw interest…but poor Danny Hall….playing a few Big10 schools is fine, but the Baseball program would take a HUGE hit.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
5:24 pm
What the Big Ten gains is:
1) TV markets. The Midwest is losing population, and the East is adding.
2) Research dollars. The Big Ten schools (all AAU members, except for Nebraska) collaborate on bids for federal research funding.
BigTimeTECHFan
November 19th, 2012
5:25 pm
ACC will get Texas to replace Maryland
Dadgum.....
November 19th, 2012
5:28 pm
GTBob……name me one GT sport the Big 10 would cripple. It would help all of them. Baseball would get a huge boost. Track and field I am not sure. Football, bball, baseball all would be better for it.
Just Saying
November 19th, 2012
5:30 pm
WHO THE BLANK CARES?
Bill
November 19th, 2012
5:30 pm
Delbert, the BIG10 did take heat about Nebraska. That was my point. Missouri thought they were going to go. Nebraska shocked many folks
.Doubt they would take anything less than a school that would give them A) AAU membership.B) a new market..C)a large market that gives them a footprint into a new region and D) a school with a tradition of athletic excellence.
fuzzybee78
November 19th, 2012
5:31 pm
Get UConn now, they fit academically and that’s a must. Then wait on ND and PSU down the road for a 16 team super conference. Ill trade UConn for the Terps and call it even.
Buzzsaw
November 19th, 2012
5:33 pm
Ken – If the ACC starts to crumble via possible exits of FSU and Clemson, where does that leave Tech? Will they look to leave the conference? If so, what is the best fit? It seems that they may be stuck. Maryland may set precedent by negotiating a lower exit fee but could Tech even afford to leave? This conference could be very weak before all is said and done. Based on the treatment of FSU in the BCS, it would seem likely that they would look elsewhere. Both FSU and Clemson with one loss and still ranked no higher than 10. Not much respect. If FSU were a one loss SEC team, they would be right in the mix. Good argument for leaving.
fuzzybee78
November 19th, 2012
5:37 pm
If we could get PSU in the ACC now that would be great, but I dont think you can because of $$$ now (paying for Sandusky sins) and the big draw would be ND as a full ACC member playing PSU every year as part of the ACC North Division.
If not then I dont know who else is a fit both geography and academically better than UConn.
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
5:39 pm
GTBob……name me one GT sport the Big 10 would cripple. It would help all of them. Baseball would get a huge boost.
How would Baseball get a huge boost? The Big 10 is terrible at Baseball and future recruits are going to want to play in the ACC or SEC. Basketball would be affected because of the long travel distances and leaving the ACC which is now the strongest conference out there. Womens softball would pretty much be destroyed. Even Golf would be affected. People tend to forget that outside of football the ACC is competitive in a lot of sports and leaving would severely diminish that.
Bill
November 19th, 2012
5:41 pm
Washington Post reported last night exit fee for Maryland is legit and will have to be paid….
Can’t see Tech going to BIG 10 unless there is another southern partner.
Thing is, unless SEC wants to get Texas and Ok St at all costs before Pac 12 tries again, Fl St and Clemson are targets if Fl and SC allow waiver. Where does that leave Miami and Tech? Have to figure there is some truth to some of these rumors about Tech talking to Big10.
Just a thought…wouldn’t it be something if Duke and Carolina bolt for the Big 10? They are two of the 4 ACC schools ( excluding Pitt) that have the criteria the BIG wants.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
5:42 pm
Bill – I got your point, and I agree. Nebraska’s departure from the AAU was an embarrassment to the Big Ten. I though Missouri would get the offer, but they should do okay in the SEC, improving the academic standing of that conference. They now have 4 members with Texas A&M joining as well.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
5:45 pm
Penn State should be happy about this. Maryland and Rutgers are former long time rivalry games.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
5:46 pm
Bill – Why would Pitt be excluded?
Bill
November 19th, 2012
5:52 pm
Maryland and Pa St were rumored to have been BIG 10 bound late 70’s…..those 3 schools were part of the original “Big East” talk when the Eastern schools were starting to look into actually forming a Sports conference..remember, it was better to be an independent in many cases back in the 60’s and 70’s.When the number of Bowls started to increase and the NCAA hoops started to allow multiple teams from same conferences, getting into a good conference became a priority ( see South Carolina from 1971 to 1992).
Can’t believe all the chatter about Tech being seriously courted by BIG 10…I mean I understand the $$ amounts, but Tech would have to have a Southern partner Otherwise, doesn’t make sense, unlike Maryland move.
Bill
November 19th, 2012
5:58 pm
Delbert.Pitt wouldn’t be. Just meant of CURRENT ACC schools….only 4 fit that criteria.
You know, Tech has to wonder if FSU is going to attempt to bolt for the Big12. Clemson will follow, for sure. Wonder if Miami would get their academic act together? Good school, sure Big10 would love Mia/GT pair if they Miami was legit at this point.
Maryland has been an athletic mess last few years. Yow pretty much destroyed GaryWilliams and Fridg. The people in charge are not ACC guys…really, time is right for Terps to move. Never will be better in that regard.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
6:03 pm
FSU and Clemson might bolt for the Big 12 if Texas pays the $100 million.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2012
6:22 pm
“You’re going to be in over 30 countries, all over the United States, it’s going to open up some new areas for us in recruiting,” Edsall said. “We’ve already talked about taking care of the home base, but then moving in to Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City, St. Louis. This exposure will aid us in recruiting and open up some areas maybe we couldn’t get into before.”
The kids watching Maryland away games in the DC area will see them playing in full stadiums.
5150 UOAD
November 19th, 2012
6:35 pm
I wouldn’t go to a BIG 10 away game but once and only if it was scheduled from Aug-to-Oct 10th.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
6:42 pm
FSU is already grumbling about the fact the ACC schedule has pulled them down behind 3 two loss SEC schools. FSU also did not vote to raise the exit fee. They are gone. All they need is the Big 12 to ask.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
6:46 pm
The ACC is going back to basketball. Syracuse and Pitt were not football moves. Now the hot rumor to replace Maryland is UConn with an outside shot at Louisville. Two more basketball schools that occasionally play solid football. Football leaning ACC schools cant like what they are seeing. Had they grabbed WVU instead of Syracuse, then that’s another story. But they passed on them.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
6:49 pm
A move to the Big 12 or Big 10 would be the best thing for Tech football. I’m betting there will be a lot less empty seats if you replace Duke, Virginia, BC, and the rest of the ACC football giants with the likes of Nebraska, Ohio St., Michigan, Wisonsin out of the Big 10 or Texas, OU, OSU, WVU out of the Big 12. There’s good basketball going on in both of those conferences as well.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
6:51 pm
Tech will get better too. They will have to or get buried. The week to week competition and level of expectations will raise the bar.
ACC BBall Fan
November 19th, 2012
7:00 pm
The Big Ten gains nothing from this. The other Big Ten teams will be subsidizing the Turtles for years. The Bug Ten must be run by a bunch of dummies.
…Suckers.
ACC BBall Fan
November 19th, 2012
7:06 pm
Maryland has been drifting. The ACC has decided to improve on its strength (basketball) and wants to increase the number of schools with solid basketball credentials. That helps explain Syracuse and Pitt.
What about Kentucky to the ACC?
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
7:06 pm
Nah the Big 10 gains the NY and DC TV markets for contract negotiations in a few years. Its the same as why the SEC grabbed Missouri for the St Louis market.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
7:07 pm
SEC makes more money than the ACC so, UK will never budge. Besides, they rule that conference and basketball isnt delusional like CFB. They actually have a playoff that UK has proven to win quite often.
Tdawgmoney
November 19th, 2012
7:11 pm
seriously, a Div II team would fit nicely with the ACC football level of play……..I would consider Troy or maybe Ga Southern.
Carlton
November 19th, 2012
7:12 pm
Hate to see Maryland go. O Well! The ACC will probably go after UCONN, and should seriously consider Temple. But, here’s something to ponder. What if Delaware makes the jump up to FCS? Adding Delaware, while unexpected, could be a wildcard in all of this. If the ACC were to add UCONN, TEMPLE, and UD everything on the East coast would belong to the ACC. Got to add three.
Freddie Blassie
November 19th, 2012
7:17 pm
Notre Dame’s coach is leaving for the NFL in all probability, so ND will jump into the ACC all the way. If Free Shoes U. leaves, just get Central Florida: the central Fla. market is huge. Maybe O’Leary can rewrite his resume’ and get the gold domers to let him in.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
7:19 pm
Ken, is there any truth to the rumors Tech is talking to the Big 10? I certainly hope so.
1 4 GT
November 19th, 2012
7:26 pm
Tech hierarchy should be smoozing it up with the SEC goombas & try to get us back into the SEC!
Bill from Dacusville
November 19th, 2012
7:54 pm
Don’t join the Bi1G or whatever it is until you fire Pitiful Paul
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GFJacket
November 19th, 2012
7:59 pm
Maryland gets a lot more money and the ACC loses nothing. It gets $50M to spread around its members. ACC remains dominant in the metro Washington DC area – - heck Maryland isn’t even featured in the Washington ComPost sports pages. UVA and VT are more popular than Maryland. The B1G gets even less – - its network is already a mainstay in the satellite and cable providers here. Maryland is in a very bad way financially. They basically traded decades of tradition for more money.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
7:59 pm
I dont see the SEC wanting to touch Tech. Sorry, but Johnson’s offense seals the deal. No one likes playing against it even if they would likely win. Its a pain to prepare for and their big D lineman arent going to enjoy getting cut blocked. Not with UGA already in the league. The Big 10 and Big 12 would overlook that to get into the ATL and southeast market.
ACC's loss is College's gain
November 19th, 2012
8:02 pm
ACC can add Citadel, Elon, Catawba College or Mecklnberg JC at Gastonia, for all the world outside of Virginia or NC care.
ACC with FSU and MIAMI is just fair. Miami is toast for a long while and FSU’s coach will soon bolt for an SEC school, anyway. ACC will be a joke within three more years.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
8:05 pm
@GFJacket – ACC loses in the chess game going on up north. The ACC was closing in around Penn St. in the eastern part of the Big 10. Signing ND puts a footprint right in the middle of Big 10 country as well. The Big 10 decided to beat the ACC to the punch with Rutgers and steal Maryland from the ACC. This puts the Big 10 in the drivers seat north of VA.
Peach Fuzz
November 19th, 2012
8:11 pm
Every commentator I have heard on tv and radio questions Md’s decision to bolt for B1G.
Peach Fuzz
November 19th, 2012
8:15 pm
I’m sure Tech fans had rather try to get to Mich, Minn, Iowa, etc, instead of driving to Fl, Clemson, NC and Va.
GFJacket
November 19th, 2012
8:16 pm
Mike, B1G was already prominent in the metro DC area. There are a lot of alumni here and the B1G network is already on all the cable and satellite systems. Maryland’s stadium in now the 4th smallest in the B1G. What does the B1G get outside of providing alumni a chance every now and then to go see their team in Maryland’s 55K stadium? B1G presence in metro DC is no bigger now than before. It is now saddled with sharing revenue from larger fan bases with Maryland. There are no rivals to excite the UM fan base like there were with Duke, Clemson, UVA, UNC, etc. Maryland fans took it in the shorts…
GFJacket
November 19th, 2012
8:17 pm
Also, ND is not a team in the middle of the B1G footprint – - it is a national school with a national following.
Live in DC
November 19th, 2012
8:22 pm
Maryland brings nothing to the table. Good riddance. If the Big 10 thinks there is a college football market in DC (and NYC for that matter), their “Business” schools should all be embarrassed. This is a Redskin town. After that, everything is peanuts. Navy puts more butts in the stands than Maryland does.
WV played VT in a game at FEDEX couple of years ago. Both ranked and the 2 hillbilly schools hate each other. Both 5 hours away and the joint was half empty. The only college football games that have sold out in DC the last 5 years were Army-Navy and Navy-ND.
GFJacket
November 19th, 2012
8:23 pm
Peach Fuzz, Maryland gets a lot more money from B1G than ACC. Unfortunately, Maryland alumni who have relished hating rivals like Duke and UNC may vote with their pockets…
GFJacket
November 19th, 2012
8:29 pm
Maryland’s enrollment is about the same as UGA’s – - 26K undergrad and 10K grad. Yet, it has trouble getting more than 30K to a football game. There are a lot of Maryland alumni in the DC area – - so that is not an excuse. Maryland makes out like a bandit financially with this deal. The B1G gets little more than what it had.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
8:41 pm
I have a hard time believing that Maryland will have empty stadiums. The hate for Duke, UNC, and others apparently didnt sell too many tickets. Its probably far more rooted in basketball anyway. Now you get teams like Ohio St., Wisconsin, Penn St., and other which may draw as many visitors as Maryland fans. Either way, the tickets will be sold. Just like at Tech where they cant fill the seats except when Clemson, Va Tech, FSU, or UGA come to town. Maryland will also be able to recruit PA and the surrounding area with the Big 10 brand which should help them out vs the ACC.
Live in DC
November 19th, 2012
8:44 pm
Unfortunately, nobody in the DC to Boston corridor cares about College football unless they are Catholic. Then it is “all hail” Notre Dame. The Acc screwed up chasing BC and the Big 10 are bigger morons for splitting their loot with the Twerps and Rutgers. Too funny.
Born in GA, went to Tech, live in DC and am proud to be the the only Falcon fan in DC. There is no college football market on the eastern seaboard north of DC unless your name is O’Whatever.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
8:47 pm
What this does for the Big 10 is effectively cut off the ACC. ND may recruit nationally, but it sits right in the middle of Big 10 country and will be playing half their games against the ACC. Then you had Syracuse, Pitt, BC, Maryland squeezing in Penn St. from the East. There were strong rumors that Rutgers and UConn were next on the ACC shopping list. With ND off the board, the Big 10 had to make a move or risk being boxed in by the ACC, SEC, and newly forged Big 12 who has also been looking at FSU, Clemson, Louisville, BYU, and a long shot possibility of Cincinnati.
GT-UT
November 19th, 2012
8:48 pm
Academics and basketball are the ACCs strong points. Yes we need to get better at football. GT is a perfect fit for the ACC. Definitely not for the SEC or Big 10. Possibly the big 12 but Mack Brown doesn’t want to expand all the way to the East Coast because it’s too far to drive for parents to see their kids play. The long north-south expansion ACC has that problem now. This is why it’s not all about markets, if that were the case then we would be courting a West Coast team.
Anyway go Tech and pray for the ACC. I hope we protect our turf and I will never forgive UVA or FSU for leaving if they do. UVA fits perfectly in the ACC. It’s an excellent academic school and a true model for higher education. FSU has pretty girls and you need a balance for both!
Goldenrod
November 19th, 2012
8:49 pm
Wish Tech could leave the ACC but there are no buyers!
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
8:49 pm
@Live in DC – its true CFB takes a back seat up there, but the talent pool to recruit from is rather rich. Its also easy to try to sell big TV contracts when you control areas with more TVs whether they are interested or not.
Live in DC
November 19th, 2012
8:53 pm
Boxed in? Stupid, stupid move by the Big 10. Neither school brings them anything.
ACC BBall Fan
November 19th, 2012
9:17 pm
I agree, stupid move by the Big Ten. They gain nothing. The only real football market in the DC metro area is the Skins. Maryland has to pay $50m to the ACC to exit. They say that they are already financially strapped but they have the dough to shell out $50m.
Rudow70
November 19th, 2012
9:27 pm
All the blather about MD is fine, but they really won’t be missed. It is sad to see them go, but they haven’t done much ahtletically in years. I would say this, though. If FSU and Clemson decide to leave the ACC, the only conference that makes any sense for them would be the SEC. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I think there wouldn’t be a lot of griping about those additions from the rest of the SEC schools.
Live in DC
November 19th, 2012
9:28 pm
Have plenty of Terp buddies. They are not happy. Just to chide them, I say, UConn brings more to the table than you do — better football and better hoop. Enjoy the road trips to Iowa and Minnesota,.
Losing Maryland means nothing. Flip in UConn and you are better off. And for the record, College Park, Maryland is a dump.
MiltonFan
November 19th, 2012
9:33 pm
@Dadgum – Actually, GT can make a bowl game if they are 6-7. The NCAA changed the UCLA rule but did not eliminate it. The rule now allows a 6-7 team to petition ONLY if there are not enough 6 win teams at or above .500. Last year, UCLA petitioned was approved but excluded an eligible team. Most current estimates project 67-70 teams for 70 spots. Those estimates include GT. There is speculation that some 5-7 teams will go bowling this year based on top APR scores. Reference: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/stewart_mandel/11/19/bowl-projections/index.html?sct=cf_t12_a1
ACC BBall Fan
November 19th, 2012
9:33 pm
Yeah, it’ll probably be U. Conn to the ACC next. Makes sense with Boston College, Syracuse, and Pitt already in.
Live in DC
November 19th, 2012
10:15 pm
GF Jackets hits the nail on the head at 7:59. Maryland wins — mo money. ACC loses nothing. The Big 10 loses big time like the ACC lost when we got BC. They get another Minnesota to split the loot with.
As far as filling more seats in Byrd (Turd) Stadium. A lot of PSU alum in the DC area but they are are the morphine drip cuz of Sandusksy sanctions. They will never be the same just like Miami will never be the same.
So one game a year vs Ohio St or Michigan will fill more seats. Purdue, IU, UI, Minnesota, Iowa — yawn.
Mike S.
November 19th, 2012
10:19 pm
Well obviously all these pissed off Maryland fans werent buying tickets in the first place. If they were that mad, then start writing checks because Maryland is hurting bad financially. They are having issues even half filling their stadium. This move is going to bring them in more money via the Big 10 alone, and probably sell more tickets when the Big 10 schools come to town. Its a good bet Maryland improves as a football product too. As for what the Big 10 gets? TV markets for contract talks. Having a direct presence in the DC market will bring them more money. Its not good enough to say you have fans in an area without a direct presence when talking TV contracts. Otherwise, they could probably claim just about anywhere to some degree with all the bandwagon OSU, PSU, Michigan, and Nebraska fans across the country.
Reality
November 19th, 2012
10:20 pm
If Notre Dame will not join the ACC in football, then I would prefer West Virginia or Louisville. UConn football isn’t that great and their basketball is questionable considering their coaching situation.
I believe that the “super” conferences will end up with 16 teams. Why shouldn’t the ACC go ahead to that number and have 8 teams in each division?
Also, why doesn’t the ACC start the “ACC Network” just as the Big 10 has done. It would mean more money for all ACC members way above any contract with ESPN.
Reality
November 19th, 2012
10:23 pm
Not that it cannot happen in this crazy conference mix, but I don’t know why anyone says that FSU would go to the Big 12! Or, even Clemson to the Big 12!
Geographically, it just makes no sense at all. FSU and Clemson fans would be really POed if they cannot play their regular rivals in the southeast and have to travel all of the way to the midwest many weeks in the season. And, I won’t blame them!
Reality
November 19th, 2012
10:33 pm
The ACC now has 13 full members. I think we need to go to 18.
With Notre Dame…. we add West Virginia, Louisville, UConn, and East Carolina.
Without Notre Dame…. we add West Virginia, Louisville, UConn, East Carolina, and Temple.
To be one of the four “super conferences” this would be a great mix of locking up certain regaions of the Country and also have a huge chunk of it up the “Atlantic Coast”. We would have most all of the State of Florida (Miami, FSU), and parts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Conn, Penn, and Mass.
What a great TV market that would be!
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
11:27 pm
Its a good bet Maryland improves as a football product too.
I don’t know about that. Personally, I think they are probably going to be below Northwestern.
Dawg48
November 19th, 2012
11:31 pm
GT to the B1G????
http://mobile.nj.com/advnj/pm_29222/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=eTJiw5sn
d1reality
November 19th, 2012
11:39 pm
“”"”GT to the B1G????”"”"
Sure, gotta spare $50 million to exit
Math is Hard!
November 20th, 2012
9:14 am
Add UConn and Georgia State. Best basketball conference in America overnight.
blazer
November 20th, 2012
10:13 am
Too bad it’s all about money and all this stupid conference swapping!!
Terphoops34
November 20th, 2012
10:23 am
I am a Terps fan sinc early 70’s. First those of you suggesting Vandy to the ACC does not improve your football status and that is what the ACC is lacking. Here is how I see it playing out: The BIG 10 goes after another ACC team such as Carolina or even VA Tech. SEC steals one of the Carolina schools, Clemson or State and then gets FSU. At that point the ACC is done and the BIG 10 knocks on Notre Dames door one last time. If they say no then the go after Kansas of UVA. That leaves the other football shcools to go to BIG 12. Duke and Wake head off to the Big East or something like the Patriot league. Being a long time ACC fan I could care less what happens to Pittsburgh and Syracuse, although Syracuse could end up in Big 10 along with Rutgers as they bring a better market than Rutgers.
Carlton
November 20th, 2012
10:35 am
Here’s the latest update: The ACC is planning to discuss expansion with Cinn, UCONN, and Temple. This makes sense biggest it will expand it’s footprint into the B1G market with Cinn., and will ensure that the Philadelphia/New Jersey market is in play. UCONN adds the New York market which makes sense for ACC basketball. Conn. is also the home of ESPN, which allows the ACC to renegotiate it’s TV contract with them. This also will allow for the spread/relocation of the ACC tourney, and potentially the ACC championship game. Don’t like losing Maryland, but this might not be too bad.
Heel4Life
November 20th, 2012
11:11 am
This UNC alum and super Tar Heel fan is in no way in favor of threatening the real integrity of the university. Sports has already put a blemish on UNC, and our responsible alum want to erase that blemish, not darken it. I don’t think Swofford, an alum, a classy, smart, and genteel Morehead Scholar, belongs to that group of responsible protectors of UNC’s heritage, will allow UNC to sell it’s soul for football revenue.
WnE
November 20th, 2012
12:21 pm
re:
Heel4Life
November 20th, 2012
11:11 am
This UNC alum and super Tar Heel fan is in no way in favor of threatening the real integrity of the university. Sports has already put a blemish on UNC, and our responsible alum want to erase that blemish, not darken it. I don’t think Swofford, an alum, a classy, smart, and genteel Morehead Scholar, belongs to that group of responsible protectors of UNC’s heritage, will allow UNC to sell it’s soul for football revenue.
_____________
Too late for that pal!
UNC already sold it’s soul for SAs that cannot read or write or were too lazy to do it for themselves while playing sports for UNC and not just in the revenue sports either, this blame can be spread around.
What many ACC apologists don’t realize is that CFB generates about 80% (EIGHTY PERCENT) of the TV dollars that fund college sports while B-ball only generates 20% of the TV dollars that are generated.
The ACC and that effin’ weasel Swofford is operating based on a losing model; building the ACC on Basketball & “like Academic Schools” will on destroy ACC FB programs and lose the Athl. Depts. of the ACC members schools a lot of money along the way.
The SUCCESSFUL model is build your conference “FB first” and then let the increased TV revenues make it easy for the other sports to become successful.
The SEC has done this and has passed the ACC in baseball and is very close to the ACC in B-ball, while being LIGHT YEARS ahead of the ACC in FB.
GT and the ACC like to wax poetic about how they are “smarter” than everyone else, while everyone else actually implements smarter policies & smarter strategies and out performs GT & the ACC.
The “tobacco road mafia” has ruined the ACC’s chances of having better FB conference wide.
bill
November 20th, 2012
12:44 pm
Terphoops 34…nice fiction. The Big10 will only go after AAU schools. UNC, UVA, Duke and Tech are the only ones left in the current ACC that fill that criteria. Pitt also is an AAU member.
Kansas and UNC would be a tremendous duo for the Big10, since both are AAU schools. Getting UNC to leave the ACC would be rough , but stranger things have happened( see TxA&M to SEC saying adios to Texas).
From a GT perspective, going to BIG10 would be difficult unless they had a Southern travel partner. I’m sure Tech is very concerned about FSU and Clemson bolting to the Big12. If Miami had its proverbial sh*t together, a Tech-Miami move tom the Big10 wouldn’t be as far fetched as one would think. But can’t see Tech convincing UNC to go to the BIG10 with them.
I would definitely say UVa would be in the mix for the BIG 10. But That State rule makes it difficult for UVa to move. Otherwise, I would think you would have already heard of UVa going to the BiG 10 instead of Maryland. If that rule can be changed somehow, UVa would become the prime target for the Big10.
No matter how anyone slices it, the ACC and Big 12 are in play for the 3 other conferences to poach plumb schools.GT is in a difficult spot. There are so many reports about GT talking with the BIG10 that I don’t think it’s fiction. What happens depends on Tech being concerned about landing on their feet before the music stops with this new round of realignment.
The Pac12 doesn’t HAVE to move right now, but they may approach Texas, OK , Ok St and either TX Tech/Baylor again very soon. This would push Kansas to approaching the Big10….this would actually help the ACC. But if the BIG12 decides Wednesday that they better make a move soon to stay alive, bet you FSU and Clemson will be called. Maybe even GT and Miami if they feel FSU and Clemson are going to bolt. GT would HAVE to make a move at that point. But the 2 options would be BIG12 and possible Big10……this is why GT is in a difficult situation right now. Do they sit pat and hope for the best? Or do they react out of fear of being left in a depleted ACC BEFORE it happens.
BET YOU Big12 CALLS FSU&Clemson within next few days. What happens after that puts everyone in the jackpot from the ACC AND BIG 12.
Rod
November 20th, 2012
1:23 pm
bill – Nebraska is not an AAU member and is in the B1G, and I don’t think that really matters to the B1G anymore….besides, Va Tech, Miami and NC State are all expected to be admitted to the AAU soon anyway. They have larger research budgets than many current AAU members.
B. Thenet
November 20th, 2012
3:01 pm
Nebraska was in the AAU when it was admitted, it recently lost its accreditation but is working on fixing some things in its graduate programs to be readmitted. The AAU thing is important to the B1G
Mike S.
November 20th, 2012
3:53 pm
bill – the Big 12 has Texas sized issues…no pun intended. A big obstacle is revenue sharing. Its not equal in the Big 12. Texas and OU get the lion’s share. That likely needs to be addressed if they are going to truly attract anyone else like FSU or Clemson or even keep members like Kansas. If the Big 10 comes calling for Kansas, how can they refuse? Its a massive payday vs the scraps that Texas throws them. The ACC may not be as cooked as we think because of this. The Big 12 has to grow up and decide whether Texas is worth holding the whole conference hostage. In light of the fact they can grab these ACC schools, I would say they arent worth it. They either get in line or go independant. In the mean time, the Big 12 can pick up ACC schools like FSU, Clemson, Miami, Va Tech and GA Tech. They have other options as well like BYU and Louisville. They might even attract ND if the ACC begins to crumble
Mike S.
November 20th, 2012
3:58 pm
As for GA Tech, the Big 12 is the best option, especially if FSU and Clemson go. Big 10 is way out of place for ACC schools, and is really just a paycheck. Its just not that intersting. If Tech follows Clemson and FSU to the Big 12, you have a lot more there thats attractive. You have current ACC rivals plus WVU, TCU, OU, OSU, K St., Texas. Even if they dump Texas for revenue sharing, and grab a BYU in their place, thats a better fit than Big 10 country. I think the ACC is going to survive this relatively intact with the basketball oriented schools + ND. The Big 10 might grab Syracuse, Pitt, or BC, but that’s it. No one else is really a fit up there.
Skeptic
November 20th, 2012
5:14 pm
All of this extra $$$ moving schools earn from playing teams with absolutely nothing in common with their region. Where does it come from? YOU.
How many of you are willing to just keep paying more for your TV package because of all the new conference channels? Used to, just having ESPN and the broadcast networks were good enough, but now you won’t see your team at all unless you buy the conference channel because your team is playing WAY out of the region.
Stop the madness. My TV is getting closer every day to being a target on the range.
bill
November 20th, 2012
7:47 pm
MikeS–I did mention about Kansas in an earlier post. Think if the BIG wants to go west to find a “partner” for Nebraska, it’s Kansas. Though they would take Texas in a heartbeat if Texas wanted to go.
My concern is whether all of this talk on the web has some truth to it. You still haven’t heard anything, which may be a good thing, about Tech talking to the BIG. Perhaps a denial would dampen rumors, but it would sound like Clemson when they said “Hey, we’re staying in the ACC, but we are always going to listen to what is out there if someone calls”. That pretty much shows Clemson wants something better, but they don’t have it right now. The Big12 would be their only other option, and that is predicated on FSU leaving for what they would think would be greener pastures( no Midwest farming pun meant).
IF the rumors are true that Tech is talking to the Big 10 ( even Coach K said today that he is concerned about what will happen to the ACC—espn report), you would have to think UNC will be talking to the BIG also. They will still play Duke, but the allure of $$$$ and having Tech as a Southern partner may make Carolina thinjk long and hard about leaving. They would ahve to….UVa would be a better choice for the BIG , but that VT state law would create road blocks. Think the BIG wanted UVa over Md, but backed off.
No matter, Kansas and UNC are probably on the BIG radar right now.But the possibilty of Atlanta in the Big10 has to make those altruistic Presidents see boats of cash in their dreams.Again, if Miami would get their act together, Tech/Miami would definitely entice the Big 10.Believe me, the Big 10 will call on 2 more sooner or later. The ACC has to act to survive. If the SEC didn’t sign the Big12 to that Champions Bowl game, the ACC wouldn’t be in play with or w/o the Irish.
Swofford will have to do something to appease FSU…that is the reality if he wants to keep the ACC intact. Still think that is a tremendous hurdle . Don’t know how he can, especially if Tech or UNC OR UVa is serious about the BIG.
.
bill
November 20th, 2012
7:49 pm
SKEPTIC…it’s not coming from us. Read the friggin web and the sources that are being quoted.