Who will be the next to join the SEC?

[Spurrier_Superior_One]

NCSU has the ability to really build up its football program into a very competive in the SEC given just that they could literally double their revenue sharing by coming to the SEC. They would get the best athletes in the state in NC and be able to really recruit in SC and GA. I believe they are sick of Tobbacco Rd calling all the shots

[Gamecock Rob]

North Carolina State and Virginia Tech will be the next 2 schools we go after. I know a LOT of State fans and every single one I talk to would be more than happy to tell the Tar Holes and Dukies to go to hell. Virginia Tech's only issue is getting out of their deal with Virginia to "stay together", but when the B1G inevitably expands to 16 and comes calling for the Hoos, I feel certain that Virginia and Virginia Tech could go to the state legislature with a gentlemans agreement of keeping the rivalry despite being non-conference opponents (see: Clemson-Carolina, Georgia-Georgia Tech, Florida-Florida State, Kentucky-Louisville). If both schools leave on amicable terms and have secure futures, there should be no issue. No reason to be all butt hurt like Texas or Kansas.

[superfly]

Originally Posted by CockyMBA

I think Florida State.

Here's why:

1. Maryland and FSU were the only ACC schools to vote against the ACC when they raised their exit fee to $50 million. Sounds like they want their options open and they don't want big financial impact to affect them IF they wanted to leave.

2. FSU doesn't add to the footprint, but it adds to the prestige. FSU is a national brand and if you look at all the teams that have switched conferences lately, they are not big names. The SEC wants to remain the POWER conference. Does any other school out there give them more bang? If they take the BEST southern traditional football power who's NOT in the SEC, that's HUGE

3. The SEC has flirted with FSU twice before. I was reading somewhere that explained when we joined the SEC, FSU was the #1 East target & we were #2. Discussions were had and they were on the right track, then at the last moment, FSU administration balked. After that, we were the Eastern compliment to Arky in 92. I also think something was mentioned in the 80s with a four team expansion (Texas & Arky in the West + FSU & USC in the East). That failed too in part cause TX legislature wanted A&M to be a part of that package, but the SEC didn't want two from the same state.

4. FSU is solid in basketball and baseball. Facilities are top notch. They are already operating like an SEC school. But when they a national brand BUT have to operate with the same conference share as Pittsburgh. Or Wake Forest...how long do you think that will last. It's like they need to go independent, which no one is doing anymore OR figure out a way to step it up. Does the SEC turn down an FSU request? I don't care how problematic scheduling 14+ teams are. They will make it work.

As for the other team, the Eastern/Southern teams that make the most sense are NCST or VT. (I think VT because it's closer to a large Top 10 market - DC).

If I'm commissioner of the SEC, I'd try and pair FSU with Oklahoma in the West.

EDIT. Found the link to FSU in the SEC in the 80s: http://blog.al.com/press-register-sp...arly_join.html

I disagree with the Florida St. assessment as far as adding a footprint. The state of Florida is divided and you would bring the upper part of Florida more into the fold. They have as many people in the upper half than North Carolina does statewide.

[davidmc467]

I think North Carolina State and VT are the only two real choices.

The SEC doesn't need to expand any further west, it is time to move east a little to balance out the recent additions of A&M and Mizzou. The conference could make a move into markets in North Carolina and Virginia. Plus, we could make a move into basketball rich Tobacco Road with more exposure up there in basketball.

Plus, I'm sure NC State would love to break free of Duke and UNC.

[Acockolypse Now]

First off let me state, for the record that I am against a 16 team league. It's bad enough now, when you only see teams from the other division every four years or so. At 16, it would be like being in two separate leagues where you occasionally play someone from the other league.

I don't see where it helps you, frankly.

If, for arguments sake, the SEC HAD to take two teams, FSU and VT make the most sense.

FSU won't be asked for the same reason Clemson won't be: Florida will block them the same way we'd block Clemson.

VT won't join because UVA and the state legislature would have a fit. It would be VERY hard politically for VT to join.

That leaves NC State, I suppose, who in my opinion would give you NC, but wouldn't be a great fit culturally. The comparison to aTm is wrong. Texas A&M was a strong football school prior to joining the SEC, and their facilities, booster support, and school were all SEC-ready. NC State is not.

West Virginia? No, do not want.

Louisville? It's a weekend charter school. No.

How about this: No one.

[ElTiger]

I say the SEC pick up the best of the ACC since it is the best conference around. Like y'all say, to be the best you have to beat the best. FSU and Clemson look forward to playing y'all in the SEC.

[Kickerspl80]

Originally Posted by ElTiger

I say the SEC pick up the best of the ACC since it is the best conference around. Like y'all say, to be the best you have to beat the best. FSU and Clemson look forward to playing y'all in the SEC.

merp derp

[b381l]

Originally Posted by smoovecock

..I have forgotten about OSU...But I would think that OSU and OU would be a package deal.....and didnt they sign on with a big buy out when the alignment happend..??

I think after the Big 12 additions of WVa, I doubt if any of them would leave now.

[Gamecock Rob]

Originally Posted by Acockolypse Now

First off let me state, for the record that I am against a 16 team league. It's bad enough now, when you only see teams from the other division every four years or so. At 16, it would be like being in two separate leagues where you occasionally play someone from the other league.

Actually, with 16 teams, you would play every team in the conference every 3 years. The conference would separate into 4 divisions, each team would play the other 3 teams in their division, would play their 1 permanent out of division opponent, 1 more team from the same division as the permament opponent and 2 from the remaining 2 divisions.

Example

Div 1-Team 1, Team 2, Team 3, Team 4
Div 2-Team 5, Team 6, Team 7, Team 8
Div 3-Team 9, Team 10, Team 11, Team 12
Div 4-Team 13, Team 14, Team 15, Team 16

Team 1's permanent opponent is Team 11

Team 1's year 1 opponents-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14
Team 1's year 2 opponents-2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16
Team 1's year 3 opponents-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14

[b381l]

Originally Posted by CockyMBA

I think Florida State.

Here's why:

1. Maryland and FSU were the only ACC schools to vote against the ACC when they raised their exit fee to $50 million. Sounds like they want their options open and they don't want big financial impact to affect them IF they wanted to leave.

2. FSU doesn't add to the footprint, but it adds to the prestige. FSU is a national brand and if you look at all the teams that have switched conferences lately, they are not big names. The SEC wants to remain the POWER conference. Does any other school out there give them more bang? If they take the BEST southern traditional football power who's NOT in the SEC, that's HUGE

3. The SEC has flirted with FSU twice before. I was reading somewhere that explained when we joined the SEC, FSU was the #1 East target & we were #2. Discussions were had and they were on the right track, then at the last moment, FSU administration balked. After that, we were the Eastern compliment to Arky in 92. I also think something was mentioned in the 80s with a four team expansion (Texas & Arky in the West + FSU & USC in the East). That failed too in part cause TX legislature wanted A&M to be a part of that package, but the SEC didn't want two from the same state.

4. FSU is solid in basketball and baseball. Facilities are top notch. They are already operating like an SEC school. But when they a national brand BUT have to operate with the same conference share as Pittsburgh. Or Wake Forest...how long do you think that will last. It's like they need to go independent, which no one is doing anymore OR figure out a way to step it up. Does the SEC turn down an FSU request? I don't care how problematic scheduling 14+ teams are. They will make it work.

As for the other team, the Eastern/Southern teams that make the most sense are NCST or VT. (I think VT because it's closer to a large Top 10 market - DC).

If I'm commissioner of the SEC, I'd try and pair FSU with Oklahoma in the West.

EDIT. Found the link to FSU in the SEC in the 80s: http://blog.al.com/press-register-sp...arly_join.html

This will never happen because of the agreement between Fla, Ga, SC, Kentucky and Tenn.....they will vote against any school coming from any of these states.

[b381l]

Originally Posted by Gamecock Rob

North Carolina State and Virginia Tech will be the next 2 schools we go after. I know a LOT of State fans and every single one I talk to would be more than happy to tell the Tar Holes and Dukies to go to hell. Virginia Tech's only issue is getting out of their deal with Virginia to "stay together", but when the B1G inevitably expands to 16 and comes calling for the Hoos, I feel certain that Virginia and Virginia Tech could go to the state legislature with a gentlemans agreement of keeping the rivalry despite being non-conference opponents (see: Clemson-Carolina, Georgia-Georgia Tech, Florida-Florida State, Kentucky-Louisville). If both schools leave on amicable terms and have secure futures, there should be no issue. No reason to be all butt hurt like Texas or Kansas.

I agree with this 100%. I too have talked to some NCSt folks and they would love to get into the SEC. They have an excellent following in eastern NC and the triangle.

[b381l]

Originally Posted by Gamecock Rob

Actually, with 16 teams, you would play every team in the conference every 3 years. The conference would separate into 4 divisions, each team would play the other 3 teams in their division, would play their 1 permanent out of division opponent, 1 more team from the same division as the permament opponent and 2 from the remaining 2 divisions.

Example

Div 1-Team 1, Team 2, Team 3, Team 4
Div 2-Team 5, Team 6, Team 7, Team 8
Div 3-Team 9, Team 10, Team 11, Team 12
Div 4-Team 13, Team 14, Team 15, Team 16

Team 1's permanent opponent is Team 11

Team 1's year 1 opponents-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14
Team 1's year 2 opponents-2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16
Team 1's year 3 opponents-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14

I've seen the 4 pod discussion before and really like it. You've got them playing a 9 game SEC schedule each year. I think the networks are going to demand it if we want to generate top $$$$. It's only a matter of time. Also, going to the 4 team playoff in 2014, there is no longer a 2 team max for each conference. The SEC could get 3 even 4 teams in each year out of the 12 teams chosen.

[usc1]

How about we not add anyone else? Beating out 13 other teams for the crown is hard enough, I don't get why y'all want to make it even tougher on us

[Carolina4Life]

If the SEC keeps adding these high caliber teams it's going to end up costing us a National Championship. Enough is Enough with these mega conferences. Jesus, our schedules are tuff enough already.

[ElTiger]

Originally Posted by Kickerspl80

merp derp

I know right, just crazy.

[markymark550]

Don't want the conference to expand, but if it has to happen then it should be Virginia Tech and NC State.

For the schools outside of the current footprint, those make the most sense. Although I think a case can be made for either of the Oklahoma schools as well. I don't particularly want OU or OSU, but that's just a personal preference.

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by Gamecock Rob

North Carolina State and Virginia Tech will be the next 2 schools we go after. I know a LOT of State fans and every single one I talk to would be more than happy to tell the Tar Holes and Dukies to go to hell. Virginia Tech's only issue is getting out of their deal with Virginia to "stay together", but when the B1G inevitably expands to 16 and comes calling for the Hoos, I feel certain that Virginia and Virginia Tech could go to the state legislature with a gentlemans agreement of keeping the rivalry despite being non-conference opponents (see: Clemson-Carolina, Georgia-Georgia Tech, Florida-Florida State, Kentucky-Louisville). If both schools leave on amicable terms and have secure futures, there should be no issue. No reason to be all butt hurt like Texas or Kansas.

Well said. North Carolina State would be a great fit in the SEC. They wouldn't be in a basketball-centric conference, but they are good enough to beat most SEC teams and make the tournament. They are a great fit for baseball. They have the fans to support good football. By adding NCSU you add the entire North Carolina market which includes 3 very large TV markets (Charlotte, Raleigh, Triad) with huge college sports fan bases.

Virginia Tech would be a great option, but I would be surprised if that were to happen given the challenges with getting them into the ACC to start with.

I personally think that the other two schools in this discussion (Clemson and FSU) are a package deal. It's none or both. Neither UF nor USC wants to give up that recruiting advantage. I'm not sure if Ga Tech would want back into the SEC or not.

[USCGAMCKS]

So let's roll with this for a minute. If VT and NCSU join, then how would the two divisions be split up? Mizzu to the west is a given, but then who? Kentucky? Or do you split up the Tenn teams?

[ucan'tlickourcocks]

Originally Posted by Don Giovanni

I think VT has to be the obvious target......... Then we have NC State.

Sounds like you answered your own question!

[b381l]

Originally Posted by USCGAMCKS

So let's roll with this for a minute. If VT and NCSU join, then how would the two divisions be split up? Mizzu to the west is a given, but then who? Kentucky? Or do you split up the Tenn teams?

Look up at Gamecock Rob's post....the teams will likely be divided into 4, 4-team divisions and we go to 9 game SEC schedules.