Contrary to Biggy, in college football, mo money doesn’t equate to mo problems. Often, it means the most up-to-date technology, top of the line facilities, the brightest coaching minds and, ultimately, wins. When the ACC expanded to eleven teams in 2004 –ultimately to a twelve team “super-conference” in 2005 complete with a shiny championship game– pursuing a juiced up television contract was at the heart of it all. The ploy worked. The ACC almost doubled their television money from $21 million a year to about $37.6 million. Since 2008 the ACC’s media and fans have been both envious and jealous of the SEC’s piggybank after the ink dried on the conference’s record 15-year, $3 billion contracts ($150MM/year ABC/ESPN, $55MM/year CBS).

So what about us?

The ACC’s contracts are up after the 2010-11 basketball season, and there’s been little news about what a new deal would look like and who (or whom) it would be with. In the ACC’s perfect world, ESPN would load up a dump truck full of cash –around $160MM for the first year of a fifteen year contract (SEC money plus inflation)– make the 10 hour trip from Bristol, Connecticut to Greensboro, North Carolina and deposit the loot at the front door of the conference headquarters. Continue Reading “The ACC on FOX” »

Like most college football junkies I didn’t know what to do with myself on Saturday with no games on to watch^*.  I settled on playing NCAA 09, a game I dominate at, for a little bit.  That didn’t fix the withdrawal and I thought why couldn’t the NCAA make all teams eligible for post season play.  A half-assed summary of my plan is below.

• All teams not eligible for or not invited to a bowl game may schedule and play an exhibition game against another team not eligible for or not invited to a bowl game.
• The players may not receive any sort of “bowl benefit”.
• The participating schools may not receive any financial compensation from a sponsor.
• The games may only be played at one of the two participating universities’ stadiums.
• The games must take place the Saturday after Championship Weekend and before the first bowl weekend.

During the college football season there are only a handful of meaningful out of conference games. This needs to change. Watching your team squash div 1aa cupcakes (except Michigan [Appalachian St is Hot HOT HOT!]) is great, but who doesn’t like seeing their team square off against a powerhouse.

Virginia Tech v Tennessee – These two schools are only 242 miles apart and have tried to set up a one game series before. Apparently both teams cannot agree on where to play the game. Let’s get this thing done already. Either make a home and home series or play a game at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Boston College v Connecticut – When Uconn joined the Big East they thought there would be many bitter, intense and hard fought games against BC for years to come.  The hate between the two schools intensified when BC bolted for the ACC.  Now that Uconn is starting to recruit a home and home against BC would be a great series to watch.

Rutgers v Penn State – Rutgers is beginning to assimilate some of Penn State’s highly valued recruiting territory into the Rutgers Nation.  What better way to show New Jersey recruits who reigns supreme then by battling it out on the field.  Also, a respectable out of conference game will help to boost the national respect for Penn State (and the Big Ten) who has been playing Florida International, Buffalo, Akron, Youngstown State and Notre Dame out of conference over the last couple of years.

Texas v Arkansas – I realize the two are playing in 2008 and 2009, but this should be an annual series.  The former SWC border rivals loath each other and it makes for a hard hitting great game whenever they play.

LSU v USC – Les Miles shots at USC last summer started an off the field rivalry that I’d love to see played out on the field.  Because of Miles’ and Carroll’s decision making and play calling USC and LSU games are amazing to watch (except against VT).  Now imagine them going at each other.  I think this game would be nothing short of incredible and all college football fans want to see the SEC’s best versus the Pac 10’s best.

If you got any others leave them in the comments.