Fan talk: Does Clemson belong in the SEC?
One week to go. Time for some more Junkyard Mail. First up, a couple of readers want to talk SEC expansion. …
Jonathan London writes: I don’t understand why the SEC wants another member to add to the conference. All that will do is decrease each school’s share when we split up revenue. It might increase overall revenue, but I don’t think enough to offset the decreases. We have the greatest league in college football history right now. Why would we want to dilute it by adding another school, especially some inferior, middle of the road program like Texas A&M? Compared to Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Auburn and Florida, adding A&M is like adding another Arkansas. FSU isn’t much better.
And Carolina Pup writes: Looks like Texas A&M joining the SEC is pretty much a done deal. But how long can the conference go with an unbalanced 13 teams? So who should be added as the 14th team? Or should the SEC go all the way to being a 16-team mega-league? I know who I’d like to see added: The Clemson Tigers! What do you think?
As I’ve said before, to me it only makes sense for the SEC to expand if it moves into new television markets, which will increase the revenue when the conference undoubtedly opens talks on renegotiating its current TV deal. Texas A&M gets the conference into the Texas TV markets, so I think it’s a win for the SEC. As for making Clemson the 14th team, I disagree. Yes, Clemson would be a good fit in the SEC in terms of football culture and fan support and most years would be competitive, but the SEC already has the South Carolina TV market, so the Tigers don’t bring anything new to the table. If the conference does decide to expand to 16 teams then, yes, I think Clemson should be one of them. But if it only goes to 14, the logical choice to be added to the East to balance A&M joining the West is Virginia Tech, a major program that would bring the Washington, D.C. television market with it. Now, I know that the Hokies’ athletic director has said he would “politely decline” a bid from the SEC, but that’s probably about as firm as a Nick Saban denial. If, however, Virginia Tech does decide to stay in the ACC, picking a 14th team becomes a bit trickier. Although on the surface Missouri might not seem like a good fit for the SEC, I’ve heard a pretty good case made for them in terms of adding the St. Louis TV market. So for the 14th team it looks like Virginia Tech and Missouri are the best options. If the conference adds a 15th and 16th team, Florida State and Clemson would be my preferred picks.
Barry Smith writes: Bill, I thought Boise was supposed to wear blue in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game but I see now that their Pro Combat uniforms have been unveiled, and they’re all white. What gives? And which team do you think fared the best in the Nike fashion makeover?
Boise State's helmet for the game against Georgia. (Nike)
The game contract did indeed call for both Georgia and Boise State to wear their home colors, but in today’s college football world Nike gets what Nike wants, so the Broncos will be in what’s been dubbed their “ghost horse” uniform. (By the way, Boise State is asking its fans to wear blue to the game.) While I’m not crazy about Georgia’s jerseys, as I said earlier this week, I don’t mind the all-red look and like it better than Boise’s white on white, a look that I’ve never been fond of, whether it was on Penn State or the Georgia Tech band. But I must say I really like the Pro Combat helmets Nike came up with for Boise with that cool Bronco logo. Meanwhile, if you haven’t yet watched the Nike promotional video for UGA’s Pro Combat look, check it out here.
Myles writes: Hey Bill, so, how many WR/Flanker screens will Bobo call in the opener? Over or under 3? Whatcha got? Semper Fi and GO DAWGS!
I’m betting Bobo calls more than three screens and he’s likely to be dumping it off to the backs quite a bit, too. It makes sense to get the ball to Georgia’s playmakers in open space against the Boise defense.
Speaking of Bobo, Wes Starr writes: When are the Bulldogs, and Richt in particular, going to rid themselves of Bobo as a coach for the offense? The Bulldogs have not had a great quarterback since David Greene when it comes to flat out confusing defenses. Matthew Stafford was talent mixed with an idiot Bobo. If Stafford was under the direct coaching of Richt, there would have been a National Championship. When is Bobo gone?
I’ve had mixed feelings about Bobo the past few seasons. At times, he makes really smart calls, and I disagree with you about Georgia’s quarterbacks. I think Bobo is an excellent quarterbacks coach. But he’s inconsistent and impatient as a playcaller. It drives me crazy when something’s working and he goes away from it in some misguided attempt to keep his offense balanced. But to answer your question, I think Bobo’s fate is linked to that of Richt, his mentor. The only way I see Richt getting rid of Bobo is if Richt is told he needs to make a change in order to keep his job.
Got a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
240 comments Add your comment
schmeckdawg
August 29th, 2011
12:54 pm
@PonGT & TROJAN
I am with you two on all of your points 1,000%!!!!!!!
Atlanta Gator
August 29th, 2011
1:36 pm
“My question to you is what has Vanderbilt ever done? And I am not talking about going to The Peach Bowl once. I am just saying Clemson would be a great fit regionally if we needed to add a 14th team.”
You clearly don’t know much about college football history. Until about 1930, Vanderbilt was one of the dominant Southern football powers. Ever heard of Dan McGuigin? No? That doesn’t surprise me. College football didn’t begin in 1980. Clemson cheated their way to one MNC, and the subsequent probation buried the program for the better part of a decade. Other than that, Clemson has a long history of mediocrity in football, and for that matter, in most other sports, too.
rock steady freddy
August 29th, 2011
2:02 pm
NO, Clemson does not!!
Atlanta Gator
August 29th, 2011
2:20 pm
“Atlanta Gator
“Clemson capacity is 80,301
“Vandy capacity is 39,790
“Do the math. IF not, find a UGA grad that can do it for you.”
Thank you, BIG Joe, but I need neither a UGA grad (nor a Georgia Tech grad) to do the math for me. I would be happy to compare my SAT, GRE and GMAT math scores with yours, as well as my undergraduate grades in ten hours of core calculus, but I don’t you’re going to like the outcome.
Now that we can dispense with the gratuitous insults, let me reiterate my earlier point for your benefit: Other than sentimental memories of a Clemson-Georgia “rivalry” where the Dawgs got to beat the crap out of Clemson more often than not, and that hasn’t even been been played annually for almost 25 years, what exactly does Clemson offer to the SEC?
What does Clemson contribute to the SEC, and why do we want to split the SEC money pot with them? National fanbase? Major new television market access? Good football? Good basketball? Good baseball? Good swimming? Good tennis? Good women’s lacrosse? No. No. No. No. No. No. No . . . . and, no. Let the ACC keep their Tigers; the SEC already has two sets of Tigers of its own.
What’s the alternative? FSU, maybe. While FSU wouldn’t add a new TV market, it would solidify Florida (the 3rd most populous state and a college football hotbed), and add a national fanbase and some pretty darn good baseball and other secondary sports. Again, check the Directors’ Cup standings . . . . Texas A&M’s sports program is ranked 8th in the country (ahead of Texas, 11 of 12 SEC programs, and 9 of 12 ACC programs). Clemson is rated 47th (behind 9 of 12 SEC programs, and only 9 spots ahead of Vanderbilt, which plays one-third fewer sports). FSU, on the other hand, is a top-10 sports program, even when their football program is rebuilding.
There’s a lot more to being a good fit in the SEC than just having a “similar football culture,” whatever that means. Potential new members need to bring something to the table which the SEC doesn’t already have; otherwise, there’s no mathematical or financial reason to invite them to share the SEC money pot, diminishing the shares of existing members. Perhaps you can have a Vanderbilt finance grad do THAT math for you. LOL
T
August 29th, 2011
2:22 pm
Atl. Gator is right, Vandy was a power back in the leather
helmet days. Larry Munson use to call Vandy games before
coming to Georgia.
charles
August 29th, 2011
2:47 pm
I disagree with the comment that Clemson would definitely agree to join the SEC if asked-SEC is a great football conference but is really lacking as a basketball conference-the ACC has great TV exposure already in both football AND basketball-as a charter member of the ACC,i just don’t think Clemson would jump unless the college football world as we know it is about to collapse!
59bulldawg
August 29th, 2011
3:06 pm
Have to agree with Atlanta Gator. BTW Gator good to see your posts again. I always enjoy reading your informed opinions.
Reality
August 29th, 2011
4:47 pm
Bill King has such an easy job. All he has to do is mention something about the SEC adding a team and also a team from the ACC and BINGO – he has 5 pages of you idiot SEC fans going at it.
Clue – No ACC team will leave….. especially to move to the SEC….. ever. Get it? Every school in the ACC gets more money from the conference for the year (to include all sports) than ANY other conference.
Why would a team leave more money with the ACC to get less money with the SEC?
Forget about “stadium size” (give me a friggin’ break!). Forget about “fan base”. Forget about “recruitment area.” It is all about the benjamins, baby!
But, you idiots still want to talk and talk and give good ‘ole King an easy time setting you up. LOL!
True Dawg
August 29th, 2011
5:01 pm
I want to see the SOONERS! so they will have competition every year
colorado dawg
August 29th, 2011
6:34 pm
Keep the SEC southern. No teams from Texas, Oklahoma or Missouri.
colorado dawg
August 29th, 2011
6:35 pm
Reality, Go back to your ACC boards. Leave football talk to the big boys. Thanks.
Brad
August 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
Hey if you are interested in blogs about UGA Football like this one, check out ugabulldogfootball.blogspot.com
bigcalidawg
August 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Absolutely……
Clemson and the ‘Noles belong in the SEC. They’re like your 1st cousin that goes to a different school.
Bring ‘em in. Makes more sense than Arkansas. They need to be back with Texas and them. Vandy belongs in the ACC and Arky in the Big whatever……….
icedawg
August 29th, 2011
9:16 pm
Would love to see Florida State, GaTech or Clemson before VaTech. T A&M will be a good addition to the West.
bigcalidawg
August 29th, 2011
9:17 pm
WOW, ever post after reading a few comments and then read a bunch more and have to post again?
Look, y’all…..I hate to “dumb down” this thread, because CLEARLY there are some BRILLIANT MINDS choosing to follow SEC football today, but for myself, I give a rats arse about Macro Econ and just love good football.
For myself, I believe that developing a strong culture of like minded football fans builds strong rivalries. Aside from the 25+ lb weight difference per fan and the jorts, DAWGS and Gators are more alike than different, but that’s the fun in all this crazy stuff.
Why in the world would we want to bring in another Kentucky, or Vanderbilt, (or Texas A&M), when we can stay within the culture and bring in Clemson and Fla State? Over time, the ROI will be far greater, because the product will be much stronger, and attractive.
Call me a football purist, but Al Davis has realized the demise of his passion. Not because he dislikes football, but because he loves money more.
Let’s just follow that money model directly into the footprints of the Oakland Raiders and bask in the glory of remaining in the black……..
01HAWK
August 29th, 2011
9:22 pm
Boise helmets is very nice. I like the all white uniforms.
Dawg Time
August 29th, 2011
10:06 pm
clemson? are you serious? keep those redneck fans out of the SEc. It’s bad enough having to deal with all the rednecks at tennessee and auburn. Get UNC or UVA instead.
bigcalidawg
August 29th, 2011
10:09 pm
Minnesota Dawg
August 27th, 2011
12:22 pm
“It no longer is the Southeast Conference when you move outside the SOUTHEAST. We don’t need College Sports to become like the Pros. Let’s keep in our regions. I know the all mighty dollar will prevent this, but that’s my opinion.”
Awesome, we have Dawg Fans in Minnesota? Man…Dawgs are way better than the Gophers……y’all actually have talent in your state, but can’t manage to pull it together. Lot’s of good specialty types, WR,QB,TB, etc…. I have a fondness for the region, but not the mosquitos and the stinky water.
My father is from Minne/St.Paul area……….
GT Joe
August 29th, 2011
10:50 pm
Did I just read a UGA fan say that Clempson has too many redneck fans?!?!?! HEE HAW!!!!!
I mean, have you BEEN to Sanford Stadium recently!?!?!!
Craziness
August 30th, 2011
12:43 am
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8331071/personal_foul_unnecessary_conference.html?cat=14
Craziness
August 30th, 2011
12:44 am
Don’t know how I found that article (linked above), but I agree with the guy.
Craziness
August 30th, 2011
12:59 am
Hey GT Joe, have you been to Bobby Dodd lately? Oh yeah, not many Tech fans have. But I saw where you could buy a lower level ticket for Thursday’s game on stubhub for $8. Sad, just sad.
dmr
August 30th, 2011
7:03 am
SEC EXPANSION LOGIC: Bring in Texas A&M (Texas market) and then try to get FSU to join. With the “U” in potential trouble, the SEC can dominate the state of Florida. Then if the SEC wishes to go to a 16 team format, there are a couple of options. Go after VT first for the East. If that happens, then you can go for a homerun by going after Oklahoma…and if not them, Missouri would be a nice compliment to the West.
As for Coach Bobo, this has been one of Mark Richt’s major issues. Richt has used the Georgia football program as a “training ground” for “inexperienced” coaches. By inexperience, I mean coaches that do not have tenure at big time, high pressure programs. Bobo has been as inconsistent as the football team has been for the last few years. He will have to prove that he can be patient with what is working and quickly transition away from what is not. He needs to recognize if our “O” line is getting dominated and there is no running room. He needs to recognize the need to slow the pace and milk the clock situations vs. no huddle situations. Georgia has wasted a lot of time in recent years when behind and moved without a purpose or a sense of urgency.
I am convinced that this year will be an indictment of Bobo’s ability to really coach up this offense, if that is what Richt intends to let him do. If I’m Richt, I have a hand in everything the offense is doing. This team has a great chance to play close to the vest on offense, because I believe our defense is really going to surprise some people and keep us in a lot of games.
Birmingham Jacket
August 30th, 2011
9:17 am
Wanna’ know what I would like to see, Bill?
I’d like to see you stop littering my otherwise decent sports section with you stupid articles.
That picture looks like you fell off a mule at a peanut farm in Milledgeville.
King Gator
August 30th, 2011
10:13 am
Welcome TX AM & Clemson…middle of the pack in the SEC at best, but good for ratings, growth and someone new to beat up on. Go Gators!
Bad Dawg
August 30th, 2011
10:25 am
Okay, if we have to expand, and I don’t see the need, then let’s trade Vandy for Va Tech. VA Tech, NC State, Clemson, and GA Tech simply are not as good as the SEC core. The only teams that might fit into that bracket are Texas and Oklahoma. Missouri is a middle of the pack, at best, and I have no passion for them versus anybody. Maryland fits the ACC better. Fla State used to be a good fit but their program has fallen on hard times (again). Texas A & M gives us a market in Texas but not much else. That makes as much sense as having the Braves compete in the Western Division of National League. Why dilute the SEC with lesser teams? Are we looking for easier schedules?
Flo-Ri-Duh
August 30th, 2011
10:55 am
BoBo must GoGo.
Stratocaster
August 30th, 2011
11:39 am
SEC is ready to admit Texas A&M and kick Auburn out. Auburn to lose SACS accreditation because of all the money and influence from Lowder and his cronies. Watch for it…..
USC GAMEC0CK
August 30th, 2011
11:55 am
Look at the money and a MAP…easy to see
TAMU and VT would be good additions and that is it…NOBODY else.
Chris
August 30th, 2011
1:16 pm
Let’s go ahead and assume that Texas A&M is in. Based on added TV revenue due to market expansion and athletic competitiveness, my other 3 preferred (not likely) teams to add in order:
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Virginia Tech
4. FSU
5. Missouri
6. Clemson
7. NC State
8. Georgia Tech
UGASlobberknocker
August 30th, 2011
2:21 pm
I would like to see Clemson in the SEC so UGA could play them every yr like the old days..but from a marketing standpoint, they give you nothing..the state of SC is small and already SEC dominant.
Fla State, TX or TX AM would all bring much more to the table.
I would like the SEC to add Tex AM and Okla. Then go to Texas and point out that their 3 biggest lifelong rivals are now in the SEC, so how bout man up and play with the big boys?. The TV thing couldget worked out.
If Texas were to join up..the 16th team in my conference would be either 1/FSU 2/Clem 3/ Okla St. in that order.
savannadawg
August 30th, 2011
4:55 pm
Hell No!!!!!! the only team that plays like they deserve a bid to the SEC are VT and possibly NC. I would say GT, but they bailed for stupid reason way back. They don’t deserve.
Big Ten Champs Nebraska
August 30th, 2011
8:02 pm
Just another team to beat Georgia.
Mitun
August 30th, 2011
11:05 pm
why isn’t Georgia Tech in the conversation? I mean it make sense if the SEC West has Alabama and Auburn the why not Georgia Tech?
CitizenK9
August 31st, 2011
2:12 am
People seem to think expanding the conference is like collecting Hot Wheels cars. Its ” lets get the most cool teams”. But adding teams is going to screw up scheduling and make the conference harder to win. It will be the end of some great rivalries and make out-of-conference games fewer and less significant. Don’t fix something that ain’t broke.
LogicalUS
August 31st, 2011
9:04 am
Why?
Clemson and their 50K fans from the small upstate of SC market?
There are much more attractive schools who bring markets and regions into the SEC. SEC already owns that market.
USC GAMEC0CK
August 31st, 2011
9:19 am
1st Choice – NO expansion
2nd Choice – TAMU to the west and VT or UNC or NC State to the east (if this happens everyone better be getting some BIG time bucks otherwise go back to 1st Choice).
3rd Choice – No expansion and No way in HiLL to Clemp, GT, FSU, WVU, Louisville
Ok that’s about it…
Tar Heels Rock and Rule
August 31st, 2011
10:49 am
I’ve said it before, help App.St. get ready (stadium expanse., etc) for entry to top division and invite to SEC. They have already voted as I Understand to seek admission to top level. App St holds interest of everyone in NC, even fans of Big Four. App St would get real good real fast and wud give SEC that much desired entre into NC. Only problem is that within 5 yrs they’d be whupping up on the SEC. SEC better be pro-active less they lose out on opportunity.
USC GAMEC0CK
August 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
The ACC would be a much better fit for Appy St.
USC GAMEC0CK
August 31st, 2011
1:40 pm
BTW, it would not take Appy St 5 years to be competitive in the
A-SheShe…most folks predict Appy St would win the conference their very first year. Nobody from the SEC disagrees with that assessment.