ACC Expansion: Big Additions and Key Wins Huge for College Football Future

The ACC made itself the epicenter of a college football seismic shift over the weekend with the extraction of Pittsburgh and Syracuse from the dwindling Big East. 

Four days ago, the ACC played the part of the shy guest at the party whose name nobody knew. It appeared the mediocre football conference would stand idly by as the Pac-12 and SEC pried away attractive teams from lesser conferences like they pluck five-star recruits out of recruiting hotbeds. 

Not anymore. The Atlantic Coast Conference went into rival Big East territory and came away with basketball powerhouses Pittsburgh and Syracuse to increase the conference's total to 14 teams.

Additionally, the ACC agreed to raise the buyout to $20 million for member schools to leave for other conferences, increasing the likelihood teams such as Clemson, Florida State, and Virginia Tech will remain in the conference.

In short, the ACC saved itself from extinction. Yes, these additions are that critical. No, Syracuse and Pittsburgh would not be mistaken for sexy football programs Texas and Oklahoma.

However, these additions do three things—

1. Ensures long-term possession of an automatic BCS bid
2. Seals the demise of the Big East as a football conference
3. Makes the ACC the dominant basketball conference

Let's face it—either the ACC or Big East was going to disappear. The ACC threw the first punch, and it knocked out the Big East from the contenders in the "Super Conference" sweepstakes.

To make matters worse for the Big East, losing Pittsburgh and Syracuse puts a dent in its highly valuable basketball credentials.

Consequently, the ACC cements itself as a "Super Conference" and instantly projects as the best basketball conference once expansion is completed, especially if Connecticut joins the ACC. 

The ACC earned respect on the field Saturday as well, defeating two ranked teams in non-conference games.

Clemson avenged last year's heart-wrenching loss at Auburn by convincingly defeating the defending champs 38-24.

The University of Miami welcomed a few suspended players back and easily disposed of Ohio State 24-6.

Florida State looked like a legitimate Top 10 team against Oklahoma, despite losing E.J. Manuel in the second half.

In order to gain any national respect, the ACC needs more spotlight wins against ranked opponents outside the conference. Results like those on Saturday against teams from the SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten represent a small step in the right direction for the conference's reputation.

In the coming weeks, changes in college athletics will continue and the ACC must build momentum. As discussions rage regarding adding more teams, the ACC's biggest need is to continued success on the field.

Oh, and by the way, thanks for joining the party, ACC.