ACC Expansion: A How-To Guide

Now that the talk about conference expansion has died down, I figured it was time to get my thoughts down.  Sure, it would have been more timely a few weeks ago, but I don't want to be a trend follower.  Also, my predictions could have been immediately proven wrong, and who wants that?  Am I right?

Besides, I'm not focusing on the now passe story of the the death of the Big 12 and the new " super-conferences" of the Pac-16 and Big Ten (16). 

Instead, I'm focusing on the conference which most recently had an expansion that  was supposed be huge, but kind of came out soft from after the start—the ACC. 

First, everyone should be aware that the transition to a newly expanded conference will not always be a smooth one.  That's one thing we learned from the ACC five years ago. 

Second, it's important to put a lot of thought into the divisions, and not be short sighted based upon recent history.  I think the divisional alignment chosen by the ACC is flawed.  It didn't make the most out of rivalries, both existing and possible, did not make sense geographically, and did not bring the kind of balance I'd like to see.

This could be fixed without another expansion, but for some reason, I don't see realignment without it, and I see moves coming in the future with other conferences.  After all, I think the Pac-12, still wants to be the Pac-16.

Why the ACC should expand ASAP

They must expand in order to stay ahead of the game—this is true musical chairs and you don't want to be standing off to the side when the music stops.  Additionally it would be to protect the teams you have now, because they'll get picked off when someone else expands.  Furthermore, the iron is hot, and the thought is on everyone's mind.  And lastly, because I'm bored today and this article idea popped into my brain.

Targets

Let's be honest, no one is leaving the Big Ten or SEC for the ACC.  That's just a fact jack.  Not today anyway. 

So, we have to look elsewhere, and I see opportunity in the Big East.  Three schools jump to mind when eye the Big East: Pitt, WVU and Rutgers. These are three strong programs, and one, which is chosen mostly due to its market. 

While that may not be the best reason, you need to bring in money to make an expansion happen.  Also, it will really help tie the room together, dude. The fourth team I would steal away is one of the newest: USF. 

These four teams bring exactly what the ACC needs—more strong competition, more markets, a presence in the NY/NJ market, and another Florida school. 

The key to making this happen is working out some kind of a deal to lure Pitt and WVU.  Rutgers would then follow easily, and USF really would come just based upon an invite. 

The new conference would be the first major 16 team conference, drawing headlines, media attention, fans, bigger TV money, and most importantly, great competition to the ACC. 

Conferences

Option A: Geographic.  This jumps to mind, because now the conference has become more balanced in terms of its north-south split (in that now there would actually be a north to speak of instead of BC all alone (see what I mean about tying the room together, dude). 

North: BC, Rutgers, Pitt, WVU, MD, UVA, VaTech, Wake

South: Miami, USF, FSU, GT, Clemson, UNC, NC State, Duke

This makes great sense to me.  I love just looking at it on paper (alright on-screen).  You get to keep the best Big East rivalry, reunite BC with it's Big East friends, keep the Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida rivalries going... it's got it all.  

The only complaint I could see is from the original ACC schools, who have thus far fought over playing against Florida schools, thus causing Miami and FSU to be in separate conferences.  I think bringing in the Northern power houses solve that, and the balance is pretty good with this split. 

The other new complaint could be that the North is basically Big East, and those three ACC teams are losing their identity (along with most of their games).  I say get better and stop crying, but it's a concern.

Option B: ignore geography, look to balance teams

Division X: VaTech, Miami, Pitt, Rutgers, Virginia, UNC, MD, Duke

Division Y: GT, FSU, WVU, USF, NC State, Clemson, Wake

I just don't like the look or feel of this division, but it is evenly balanced in terms of powerhouse teams, traditional ACC schools, more recent ACC additions, and new teams.

To anyone who disagrees, I say STFU Donnie, you're out of your element.

Kidding, please write a hundred comments telling me why I'm a total dumb ass.  I look forward to reading them.