The recruiting season officially ended February 1st (although it’s debatable if it ever really ends)…..but that other recruiting season is just beginning. That’s right, conference re-alignment. Memphis and CUSA have been the latest beneficiary/victims; the big rumors though are starting to swirl about the Big 12 trying to swoon in on the ACC. Stop laughing. Really. Clemson and Florida St (along with Maryland and Boston College) were apparently less than enthused about the additions of Pittsburgh and Syracuse (and even less thrilled with the hasty way in occurred). Florida St formed its own realignment committee last year; and Clemson has just formed an Athletic Advisory Committee this week. Personally, I don’t think these committees are at all created because of inquiries from the Big 12. The ACC (as hastily as the Pitt and Syracuse adds were) is still a much better home than the Big 12 at this point, even Barry Trammel (Oklahoman Writer) agrees when he addressed the rumor in an online chat he recently had:
No. I haven't heard it. And I'm sure the Big 12 has talked to a lot of people. I'm sure the Big 12 called Clemson and said, "Hey, we've got a great idea. How about you, Florida State and" "No thanks." "But wait," the Big 12 responded, "you didn't let us finish. We're talking about you, and" "Not interested." The ACC is solid. Academically and financially and athletically. Let me promise you, while fans get all worked about how Orange Bowls in a row the ACC has lost, the presidents do not.
Bottom line is that the only league Florida St and Clemson would jump to is the SEC. The Big 12 will get Louisville and like it. But who will get golden ticket #12? With the precedence the Big East just set with inviting Memphis; New Mexico better stay near the phone.
C-USA contacts Temple; MWC merger changes weekly -Brett McMurphy, CBSSports.com http://brett-mcmurphy.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/29532522/34753656
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ReplyDeleteWest Virginia and the Big East Conference are nearing agreement on a settlement worth at least $20 million that would resolve all issues between both parties, college football industry sources told CBSSports.com. The Mountaineers will join the Big 12 for the 2012-13 school year. However, in a bizarre twist, sources told CBSSports.com that West Virginia officials have contacted future Big East members to see if one could join in 2012 instead of 2013.