The SEC Expansion and Mike Slive's Guest List

With rumors swirling around the Big Ten as to who might join their ranks, whether it be one, two, or three teams, Mike Slive has publicly stated "I won't sit back and just ignore what's going on around me."

This effectively revs up the speculation engines for everyone. It could be good for some teams like Louisville, which means television money, exposure, and a new host of recruits that might prefer their flavor to that of Mizzou, or Illinois.

Then you have teams like Texas who really don't need much from anybody in ways of money, exposure, or recruits. Why? Well, because they're Texas.

There are certainly plenty of both who would choose to obstain or follow, but Mike Slive will get what he wants as he sits in his ivory tower and devises which pieces he will add to his chess board.

On average each SEC team averages $17 million a year in television media contracts, and the "Don" of South Eastern Conference schools could actually add more to the pot by adding a few schools to stay at the top of media coverage.

There is already a 15 year deal with ESPN, and to sweeten the deal the SEC has always been the darling of CBS sports. It's not geographical prejudice as one might think; it's just business as the higher end competitors command huge prices for commercials.

Who would he really add, and why?

Another Tiger, Oh My!

The Clemson Tigers are the first and obvious choice because it makes sense.

They've remained competitive in the last decade and stayed even with the SEC, 7-7. Granted, a handful of those wins came from in-state rival S.Carolina but wins are wins. Right?

Not to mention they have been a championship contender in their conference regularly being a pain in the ass for Frank Beamer and bobby Bowden.

The geographic location and fanbase makes this a no-brainer. Slive probably has a circle around their name as his No. 1 favorite.

On another note: Clemson is second in ACC media coverage, slightly ahead of Florida State for the last six years. Who's first you ask?

Virginia Tech, Come on Down!

Frank Beamer's Virginia Tech Hokies would be an awesome addition for Mike Slive, but it won't happen.

VT has been the belle of the ball for some time, and will probably keep basking in the sun as the ACC's favorite celebrity. At least for however long it takes Jimbo Fisher to raise FSU from the ashes.

VT did provide us with a glimpse of their star power last year, as Nick Saban blotted a few drops of sweat from his 34-24 win in the Georgia Dome.

Coming on the heels of a respectable season, Beamer took his frustrations out on the Volunteers later in the same arena to win the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.

No doubt, they are a great program with plenty of prestige, but until FSU starts winning again, they won't be making many road trips west of I-95.

The U, That's Who

Nobody has personified the role of villain better than the Miami Hurricanes, even among the Bermuda triangle of Florida colleges.

Bad reputation or not, they own a piece of Southern respect when it comes to football. From Schnellenberger to Larry Coker, the "U" has enjoyed championship success, and then some.

As of late the Hurricanes have been struggling for winning seasons, but with nine conference championships, and five national championships you still command legendary prestige when you take the field.

Mike Slive would like nothing better to add more publicity to the SEC, and Miami is the dark horse ticket.

All it would take for the Canes to assume their old mantle is a blow-out against a ranked opponent, and then somebody high-steps it into the end zone to add insult to injury.

Slive gives them a public reprimand, "Bad Miami! Bad Hurricanes! No! No!". Then they do it again in the very next game. The dreaded "U" is back, and the SEC has a red-headed stepchild with plenty of controversy.

Georgia Tech and The Rambling Wreck, Come On!

There have been countless family feuds in the state of Georgia as family members found themselves locked in a heated rivalry since 1893.

The short story: UGA was founded 100 years earlier in 1785, and Georgia Tech later in 1885. In 1893 the hatred began over federal funding, throw in a couple of football games and KABOOM!

There is plenty of history here for both schools, these two universities would be second only to Alabama vs. Auburn for the level of animosity these two teams feel toward each other.

The only drawback is how busy Georgia emergency rooms will be when these two teams clash. Man, I love football!

Slive would drop on bended knee for this to happen, and the likelihood is favorable.

I know, but their basketball team is awesome....

...and besides the SEC needs somebody besides Kentucky representing the conference when basketball season rolls around.

All jokes aside, the previous decade has been a hardship for the Tarheels, suffering one losing season after another.

The last two seasons Butch Davis has shown there is some hope left at Chapel Hill, and this may be enough to to sway the heavy-handed commisioner.

The fanbase is there, and after beating No. 14-ranked Miami last season Tar Heel blue was everywhere to be seen.

The resurgence is still in effect. NC's opener is against LSU. If they beat LSU everything will change and it will be virtually impossible to keep the fans quiet.

Jimbo Fisher is in the house...

The transformation has already begun, Jimbo Fisher has all the resources he needs to restore the Florida State Seminoles back to greatness.

I don't believe it's in the cards for FSU to make a dash for the SEC but it sure would make things interesting.

The recruiting would definitely take a turn for the worse in term of SEC concerns anyway. It would be one more weapon in FSU's arsenal that needs none.

Needless to say, the in-state rivalry would be gruesome. Slive is foaming at the mouth for this. IF it happens the fireworks will be spectacular. Pop the popcorn and watch Urban Meyer and Jimbo duke it out in the susnshine state.

If you can bag Miami it's all about "The enemy of my enemy is a friend of mine."

Papa's gotta brand new bag, cue the music.

This will be an overnight sensation. Charlie Strong will bring all of his Gator tools and make Louisville the Big East champions again.

With Louisville's coming success this should also be an effortless decision for Slive.

If Strong can rebuild his team next year and bring in the recruits he's use to seeing it's only a matter of BCS b.s. before he's bowling with the big dogs.

Slive is stupid if he lets this one pass him by.

Memphis, another tiger...really!?

Oh hush, I know what you're thinking. These poor guys have been beat more than a dirty rug on cleaning day.

Tommy West lasted way longer than he should have, but to be fair they aren't exactly worried about winning over there next to the Mississippi River.

The stadium is run down, the students care more about partying on Beale Street than attending a game, and their new coach seems to be main-lining on caffeine. You can't hardly blame them.

Would you sit through four hours of bad opera if you didn't have to?

With Conneticut and Rutgers leaving, Memphis finally gets an invitation to the long awaited Big East. So after agreeing to upgrade their program it's doubtful they will risk their invitation and venture elsewhere.

Short of Slive arriving on campus with a check, and a big bouquet of flowers it won't have a chance. Sorry I mentioned it.

What Says South Eastern Better Than Appalachian State?

Appalachian State beat Michigan in Ann Arbor, remember? That has to count for something, combined with playing 13 regular season games and winning consistently they have proven their stamina.

Give them a chance and within three or four seasons, the Mountaineers could start winning games in the SEC . It would definitely add a little more flavor than what the SEC fans have come to expect.

Their season opener is in the Swamp against the Gators. Even if they just lose fashionably well, it leaves you wondering whether the Gators took it easy on them, or were the Mountaineers really giving them more than they expected.

Oh yeah, they won three consecutive Division I-AA National Championships 2005, 2006, and 2007 so you can speculate whether they are indeed worthy.

Ask Michigan and I'll bet they'll vouch for their tenacity, regardless I'm voting for Appalachian State. You listening, Slive?

Two should be enough, no maybe four (Mikey ponders his dilemma)

One for the east, and one for the west or two each. That will give the SEC 14-16 teams to compete with and in all reality decrease one non-conference game, or add one game to their season.

The smart choice is to eliminate one of the cupcake games and take your chances of bettering your pole position conference wide.

There are a few exceptions, but the downside is the new teams could very well be the whipping post for a few seasons until recruiting and consistent play finally map out.

Whatever the case may be, you can count on Mike Slive to keep the SEC wheels greased as other conferences spread their wings.

Either way you paint it, there is one undeniable truth that keeps rearing it's ugly head. It's all about the Benjamins.