The Tunnel

I am interested also since that is where I did my undergrad.

Interesting about the TV deal being backloaded. That certainly doesn't help FSU, which needs money now. Definitely causing FSU to get desperate, even though I think it would be a mistake to go to the Big 12.

It's not even a possibility. It was in a discussion with a UMD athletic dept guy before we picked up 'Cuse and Pitt.

He actually mentioned a number of possibilities like Rice, Tulane and even Baylor if the Big 12 died.

The idea, at the time was that we were looking to pick up Kansas to go with Pitt and Cuse and needed one more. And it was about who could complete a southern strategy.

Why Tulane, Rice or Baylor? It had to do with (a) endowment size and financial backing - ex: strong and proud alums (b) geographic location and media market (c) football stadium size (d) academic prestige. With Tulane being playing in the Superdome, the idea was that the ACC would travel well to visit NoLa and also that we'd get a different set of bowl tie ins that would be more attractive to our existing members.

Needless-to-say this was just an off the cuff conversation that was a what-if the Big 12 dies...Not applicable now.

Keep an eye on FSU this week though - they're going to push for the Tier 3 to be rewritten. If not, they're gone. That's not an IMO either. Clemson, FSU and VT are all in the same boat with this and stand to lose the most if this league keeps putting basketball first.

Here's the deal - with this backloaded contract, we're staying even money with the last few years and it's not until years down the road until we get paid. Meanwhile, if we had joined the SEC, we'd be getting about 5 million dollars a year more immediately. By the time the ACC deal really kicks in, we'd be about 20 to 30 million ahead of the game. Further, think about the travel power of Alabama, Tennessee, UGA, UF, aTm, etc... Blacksburg and the greater NRV would see a huge economic gain from the dollars pouring in for hotels, restaurants, air travel etc. etc... Add the typical money multiplier that CVBs and Economic Development boards used and each dollar spent is actually worth about 4 to 7 dollars into the local economy.

In short. If we are able to get ACC and hold onto our existing members - then fine. BUT - if not - and we're tired of the drama and wish to secure a stable future in a conference that will get us PAID. Then, let's go.

SEC - EAST (projected)

VT
Kentucky
Vanderbilt
Georgia
Florida
Tennessee
South Carolina
Missouri

Tell me whether or not that's more appealing than:

VT
NC
Duke
UVA
Miami
Pitt
Georgia Tech

Now, we'd still play UVA as our rivalry game every year - so throw that one as a PUSH.

Anyhow.... that's that.

SEC...I heard 4 PODS of 4......VT NC STATE FLORIDA and USC-e.

I fully agree that if the league loses FSU and/or Clemson, VT should make the move to the SEC. If the ACC is smart, they'll address the concerns of the football schools. The ACC may be known as a "basketball league" but even within the ACC it's football that ultimately pays most of the freight.

There are only four programs in the ACC right now that could be considered "big time": Clemson, Florida State, Miami and VT. If the ACC loses any one of those four, then their competitive position would be irrepairably damaged. In that event, our best interests would be served by moving to the SEC.

I like it but thrn if FSU, Clemson and VT what would the B1G do?

Strong arm ND and grab Maryland?