The Tunnel

Since when are we afraid of the big 10? Kids in our recruiting area (outside of PA) don't grow up dreaming of playing Big 10 football.

If you don't think the BOT and Pres Steger are leaning on Jim heavily for this then you are naive.

I'm not really buying into that. B1G football is a snooze fest. I don't think those schools moving dramatically changes their ability to recruit. You think kids in the mid-atlantic are really hyped about playing in Wisconsin and Iowa? I imagine they would rather play in the ACCs footprint.

I think most SEC fans would love to have VT and NCS. SEC money would go through the roof adding those TV markets.

The eastern division schools would especially love to have you. The revenue for the new SEC network will be released before the end of the year, and it is presumed to surpass the current BIG network amount. However, the addition of Maryland and Rutgers will probably make that one bigger yet again, so the SEC definitely needs the NC and VA TV markets. Even more than that, though, there is pride in the southeast to have connections to all the states in our region. The culture here is the draw, and football Saturdays are the most tangible way to feel it. Both NC and VA have the athletes to compete in the SEC. Being part of the culture will drive the schools to make more investment, and it will pay off for your school as a whole. Nick Saban's success has increased revenue at Alabama by about 30 million a year, which is used to invest in other areas at the school. I think that part gets missed in the realignment equation.

if ND gets in national championship without affilitation, whats the incentive. if nd wanted to save a conference, it would have saved the big ten.

I believe this is the first step in teams getting picked off. it will happen slowly, but teams will get picked off one by one.

Biggest incentive is to stabilize the conference. Do they really want to look for a new home for the rest of their sports again?

Its a tough situation for them. Football is king, and they want their independence. But if they don't commit to the ACC soon, and I mean very soon, then the Big 12 could pick off a could of schools, the SEC could pick off a couple of schools, and the B1G might come back for a couple more.

The B1G probably did this to set off SEC and Big 12 expansion so FSU Clem and VT leave. ND isn't worried, they know the B1G or B12 would take the. As a full member in a heartbeat if the ACC falls apart. The ACC is a distant 5th in terms of money and I unless Swofford pulls the ultimate stunner I am sure others will leave soon. Swofford put bball, his family (son and RAYCOM), and UNC first and it will come back to haunt him unles ND truly believes it can't join any other conference but I highly doubt that ever happens.

No, I don't. They see this as an academic decision more than athletic decision. He probably agrees with them, but even if he didn't it wouldn't matter.

Absolutely, words of wisdom. Maryland is crap and can be easily replaced.