The Tunnel

Agree - Missouri was probably 3rd choice behind T A&M and VT.

Why are there only 2 seats available?

I've wondered the same thing recently. If the VA and NC legislatures said all or nothing (UVA,Va Tech, UNC, NC State), I think the SEC takes it and goes to 18. That would be a huge blow to the Big 10. They are probably hoping to land UVA and UNC at some point. The only other state I can see this happening would be if UT-Austin and the two Oklahoma schools changed their minds. If we get to that point, it would be such a game changer that it should be considered its own league, not a conference. I still don't think the SEC will double up in any other state, including Florida, unless that game changer happens and the SEC becomes one of two major conferences with the PAC and B1G schools joining to form the other. That would be a generation away from happening because of TV deals, but it's not unrealistic.

I've heard a handful of interviews with Slive about this subject since adding Mizzou and as recently as Wednesday. His response is always "It is tough to assimilate two new teams into the conference" when asked if/when the SEC goes to 16. Totally lawyer answer. He also has the famous line from last year's Spring meeting that "we could get to 16 in 15 minutes". He has never made any clear statement on the number of teams in the conference. The only thing we do know is that he will only add if it creates more value for the existing schools. The SEC commissioners have been at the forefront for a while on football. Kramer started the concept of conference championships and is the father of the BCS (a good step up from the old bowl system determining a champ by votes). Slive came out 4 years ago on the playoff concept along with the ACC, stole away two major Big 12 schools, and still managed to get this Champions Bowl with that same conference he stole from this year. If Slive has not personally said the SEC will not go past 16, it has to be left as an open option. They do not unnecessarily close doors.

I see a lot of talk comparing Clemson's forthright and outspoken attitude on expansion and derisive comments regarding VT's public stance. I too get rankled when I see vanilla responses coming from VT while Clemson seems pretty bold in their statements.

However, after thinking about it for a bit, part of me wonders if Clemson (and FSU) is being so bold because they know they have Zero shot at the SEC, PAC or B1G. Thus they feel it is incumbent upon them to be more of an initiator between the Big XII and ACC to stake their claim in whichever one they feel will be stronger in the long run, in case this 4 team playoff comes about so they don't get left hanging.

VT has a good shot at the SEC, decent shot at the Big XII, and an outside shot at the B1G, so maybe it's better for VT to sit back and wait. Maybe VT doesn't have to force the action like Clemson and FSU, because it is already in a stronger position. It's easy to look at Clemson and FSU being so active in the media and think they are getting "out front" of the issue. But maybe the reason for that is because they are actually just playing catch up because they know they are already off the SEC's wishlist...

I highly doubt UVA and UNC make a move before VT and NC State, but if that were to happen, then we go to the Big 10.

I really don't think SEC has any interest in UVA at all, not sure where they started popping into the rumors. UNC,NC State and VT yes, but UVA? They bring the market and that is it, they would infect the SEC, Alabama LSU tailgates would have empty Zima bottles lying around in no time

No, I don't think so. I think it's just waiting to see what will happen, because nothing has really happened yet. Because of how things went in 2003, I don't think you'll hear a peep out of VT about leaving until maybe 1 day before they announce they are leaving to go to the SEC or somewhere else. (Which probably won't ever happen)

I have a feeling UVA will be just fine wherever they end up. That wasn't the case for VT back in 2003. (At least it seemed that way at the time. Who knew Miami and FSU would lay an 8 year egg???)

yeah, anxiety is the worst. I saw a TCB post this morning that said something like ...relax, got 'em right where we want em. ....tasted like sweet nectar.

The SEC is trying to be a flagship conference, which makes UVA enticing. They gross about 17 mil more than you guys (78 mil UVA to 61 mil Va. Tech), but you gross more than double in just football (16 mil UVA to 35 mil Va. Tech). I think TV markets are about the same. From a financial, prestige, AAU member perspective, the choice would be UVA. From a pure entertainment/enjoyable fanbase and cultural fit perspective, the choice is Va. Tech. Head says UVA, heart says Va. Tech. Virginia is a big enough state that I'm not sure too many would be opposed to having both schools in the SEC if UVA can get over themselves. If UNC was interested, they would definitely get the invite before NC State. I have no idea if the SEC would accept both of those schools if it was an all or nothing deal. I would think yes; VA and NC are the last logical pieces to complete the regional presence. As a whole, we have zero in common with any schools north of Mason/Dixon or west of the Mississippi River border states other than Texas A&M.

This stuff is fascinating and exciting. Thanks to ya'll for letting us SEC fans read and post with you on it.

Now, wouldn't that be a huge kick in VT's nads after we supposedly turned down being 14 last year! Can you say SOL?

If Slive is smart it's VT over UV. UV doesn't have anywhere near the play within VA borders as VT does. We have the larger student enrollment and a greater % come from VA which grows our internal state fanbase at a greater rate than theirs every single year. That is just from enrollment, we also have more mindshare and a greater bandwagon fan factor within the state and the Media. We travel much better than they do and that is what makes SEC teams attractive as bowl partners and rival fanbases.

Lane stadium is an SEC atmosphere. Scott "The library" stadium. Not so much. Which plays better on TV, enter sandman with jumping maniacs everywhere, or the ghey cavalier dude on a horse he struggles to control?

It's really not a hard choice unless Slive forgets what makes the SEC great. Should be head and heart for the Hokies.

I have heard UVA and VT are tied together because UVA got VT into The ACC. My question is any truth to this? Because if it is true that VT and UVA are tied then I don't see The SEC taking UVA as the 16 team, I would think VT and NCST would be the picks if the SEC goes to 16 at all?