This seems like the most likely scenario to me, I think the 2 most likely outcomes are:One comment was that the SEC is getting adamant about protecting the SEC territory and doesn't want to let the B10 in. That might mean they WILL take FSU, Clemson, UNC, UVA. That would likely open the door for a Miami to the B10 along with ND. The only thing that seems certain at this point is that the status quo will not be maintained and the cream of the ACC will be plucked by the P2. And in most scenarios you see FSU, Clemson, Miami, ND, UNC as the prime VIEWER POTENTIAL properties, with a couple of others for "carriage fee" addition.
- SEC protects territory and takes a large group of ACC southern programs. A big grouping like Miami, FSU, GT, Clemson, UNC, NCSt, UVA, & VT, to get to and rest at 24 teams. My reasoning is:
- ESPN owns both conferences so ACC can't sue and say that ESPN is interfering with ACC.
- It gains the SEC new territory without having to worry about local politicians preventing the moves in NC and VA.
- You bring in a balance of powerhouses, brands, and more beatable programs to keep the conference competitive top to bottom.
- Every addition fits the mold with adding and establishing natural rivalries, so even lower level matchups are interesting.
- It doesn't hurt that it boosts the academic profile of the conference.
- Travel distances are pretty manageable, about as good as it gets for expansion to 24 teams.
- And to be honest, who else makes more sense for the SEC to grab to get to 24?
- Outcome 2 is the SEC goes for FSU and Clemson for brands and goes for VT and NCSt for territory. Call me crazy, but I don't think there's a scenario where UNC and UVA end up in the SEC unless they come packaged with their rival state schools, for multiple reasons. Regardless, if the SEC leaves southern ACC programs on the table, I think they become must-haves for the B1G. Miami, GT, UNC, UVA, and probably Duke would end up in the B1G in that scenario, with their hope of grabbing ND along the way.
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