Is Florida State Really A Good Fit for the SEC?

With all the talk about college football conferences expanding and shrinking, one of the most-discussed moves is Florida State University leaving the ACC for the SEC. Would this be a good move for the SEC, or Florida State, for that matter?

While the Seminoles have been a traditionally successful program, they have struggled mightily as of late. Now that Bobby Bowden has stepped down and given the head coaching job to the promising Jimbo Fisher, the Seminoles hope to turn around this recent trend.

There's no guarantee of success, though, and the SEC would be smart to wait and see if Florida State can right itself in the ACC. Also, the Seminoles will be on probation until 2013 thanks to the academic scandal that hit the school's athletic programs. The probation includes a reduction in scholarships and other penalties.

Now, let's talk about the downsides for Florida State.

They would put their struggling team in the toughest conference in the US, forcing them to clash with the mighty powerhouses of the SEC.

Not exactly the best way to revive a program. But not only would FSU have to improve if they wanted any conference championships, they'd also have to beat out the most prominent names in college football. Needless to say, it would be much safer to stay in the cozy confines of the ACC.

The switch would have some upside, though. FSU would be making big-time SEC money. And if the Seminoles return to prominence, then the SEC would add yet another team to its myriad of programs that tend to litter the top 10.

As for now, however, my advice to the SEC and Florida State is stay where you are.