With the SEC and Big 10 picking apart the country one conference at a time ACC programs are wondering what could happen to them.
The ACC has options to consider and time, but in the event, the ACC falls apart down the road where could the ACC Teams end up between the Big 10, SEC, or outside the Mega 2.
We just did the ACC Atlantic Teams.
Pittsburgh
SEC – 1%
I can’t think of a single scenario where the SEC tries to make a play for Pittsburgh, other than to just try and get under the skin of the Big 10. These conferences are pretty petty afterall.
Big 10 – 29%
The Big 10 still tries to sell the AAU affiliation and academics as part of their entry criteria, but if it does matter at all then Pitt has it. Would Penn State try and stop this? I think Pitt could be a player for the Big 10 at some point.
Outside – 70%
With Penn State already in the fold for the state of Pennsylvania, it’s hard to see what Pitt could bring in terms of value. I will say Pitt football is at a high water mark under Pat Narduzzi, and the better it is over the next few years could raise the Panther’s value.
Georgia Tech
SEC – 5%
Georgia Tech was once a member of the SEC, and if the SEC actually is interested in raising their academic profile there’s a slim chance the Jackets eventually get a call. The SEC probably isn’t interested in that though.
Big 10 – 45%
Wouldn’t the Big 10 like to plant their flag right in the middle of SEC country with a fellow AAU school? With the Jacket’s revenue sports in the tank right now, that’s Georgia Tech’s best selling point. That’s a good one though.
Outside – 50%
If Georgia Tech was in good revenue athletics shape, I would call them a shoo-in for the Big 10, but their location is prime. They’d get penetration into the heart of South and judging by the Big 10 poaching of Rutgers and Maryland at times they were athletically down, Georgia Tech has a fair shot.
North Carolina
SEC – 40%
As I’ve said before if the SEC is moving north it’s through the Carolinas and Virginia, but they’re only so many spots to go between NC State, Duke, UNC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and throw in West Virginia. UNC has a massive basketball brand and just enough football presence.
Big 10 – 40%
If the Big 10 wants to go south through Virginia and Carolina which I think they do, UNC is a player. They also have AAU status.
Outside – 20%
It’s no slam dunk, but I do think North Carolina ends up somewhere. They are arguably the school most likely to have an even split chance where they go between the Big 10 and SEC. After Clemson and Florida State, I’d ranked UNC third in terms of landing a spot in the Mega 2.
Duke
SEC – 10%
A small private academic university in the SEC? Yea the SEC already has one of those. There’s some value in the Duke basketball brand. That’s said there’s a chance UNC and Duke come as a pair.
Big 10 – 20%
I think Duke has a better chance here. Duke and UNC in the Big 10 would make for some incredible basketball, but if it is UNC or Duke, I think Duke loses out.
Outside – 70%
Has anybody picked up Kansas yet? That’s why Duke has a problem. Kansas is an AAU, a basketball power, and zilch when it comes to football. Sounds a lot like Duke.
Virginia
SEC – 10%
Virginia in the SEC would just seem so random, but it’s not out of the question as the SEC tries to go North. If the SEC wants a Virginia school it’s probably Virginia Tech.
Big 10 – 60%
Virginia has a lot to offer the Big 10 if they expand. The AAU status, top-notch basketball, decent football, tremendous Olympic sports success, and the move south.
Outside – 30%
Virginia is a quality property, especially for the Big 10. I feel like they end up there when it’s all over.
Virginia Tech
SEC – 40%
Virginia Tech’s SEC chances hinge on how many teams the SEC adds. If it’s two they don’t make the cut. If it’s 4-6, then chances significantly improve. It would help if Hokies football got back to being top 25 caliber. Why do I think it could be a choice between NC State and Virginia Tech?
Big 10 – 10%
It’s possible that Virginia and Virginia Tech as a pair. Virginia Tech doesn’t have the AAU status, but it’s a good academic school. There’s the strong fanbase too.
Outside – 50%
The Hokies are in a precarious position. They aren’t slam dunk to find a home, but it’s a recognized brand that would seem strange, but not impossible to be left out.
Miami
SEC – 25%
Miami is positioning itself well in the NIL era. If the SEC landed FSU and Miami, they would own the state of Florida. That said what’s the value of having 3 schools from the same state?
Big 10 – 40%
I think there’s a good chance the Big 10 makes a run at Miami especially if they get their football into decent shape. That would have the Big 10 up and down the East Coast.
Outside – 35%
If this were the early 80s through the mid-2000s, Miami wouldn’t have any concerns. It’s not, and the Canes have been a shell of their former selves for nearly 20 years. They are still a brand with tons of potential, and you can’t ignore that.
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