Expansion Rumor

Throw revenue aside and money. I know that is what rules here but we need to look at this situation in regards to how is this going to benefit Tennessee and the fans should voice their opinion in that respect. We need the best situation for our university, athletic program and so forth. First, I think we should invite Clemson. Clemson is only three hours away, they are a good academic institution and they fit in with the teams in the league. Their program is not as solid as FSU or Va. Tech, so they wouldn't be as hard to play. Second, if they don't work we should look into inviting NC State, although I think it would really benefit NC State, except the amount of travel time their fans have to spend traveling to away games. West Virginia is a crappy school and they are too far away from other teams in the SEC. I really don't want them to join.

I really don't want to add two Western schools because that would move Bama and Auburn to the East, unless they moved Vandy to the West. I don't mind Bama joining the East because we already have to play them every year, so I think it would be beneficial to Tennessee if UGA, UF and USCe to also had to play Bama ever year, which increases the chances of all of those teams adding one more loss on their season. The only con is it would make it harder for us to make the SEC Championship game if Bama joined the East. Adding both Bama and Auburn to the East would be very tough.
 
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This has nothing to do with venues or the respective locations. It has everything to do with TV markets. This moves the SEC into the St. Louis and K.C. markets in the west, and the Pittsburgh and D.C. markets in the east. That's a huge number of potential viewers for the conference and the all-important ESPN contract.
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Bingo, it is all about revenue
 
It's not about the schools following or fanbase......as I said before......it is about the potential number of TV's in the surrounding region. That region encompasses PA, Northern VA, MD, and DC.

It's a market the SEC is not currently in. The potential advertising dollars in this region will weigh heavily when renegotiating the ESPN contract.

This CANNOT be that hard to understand.
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I think you overestimate West Virginia's importance in that market.
 
I think you overestimate West Virginia's importance in that market.

Again.....for those who weren't paying attention. It has ZERO to do with WV's fanbase or television ratings. WV is the price of admission for the TV market. POTENTIAL viewers is what sells advertising. Advertising is what pays for giant TV contracts. The main thing WV brings is geography. They are nestled quietly between several VERY populated areas......that means TENS-OF-MILLIONS of potential new SEC viewers. And that means more money from ESPN into the conference contract.

I'd rather have VT or Clemson too.....they're not coming. Clemson brings nothing new, and VT is simply not interested.
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I think you overestimate West Virginia's importance in that market.

I'll put it this way for doubters. I live In. The. Middle. Of. Nowhere. Population: squat. About five hours from Morgantown. I can name at least two people within a mile that pay to watch WVU games.

And for those that have never been there, yes, Mortantown is a dump and a long drive (and I agree, not culturally fit for the SEC) but it has a great tailgating and game day atmosphere. Those hill people LOVE their football.

And as for markets and revenue, it's less than an hour from Pittsburgh...
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so the Big 12 approached Arkansas and they said "no thanks"

Arkansas Razorbacks AD: School was approached by Big 12 - ESPN

After Arkansas put them on hold for 15 minutes to recover from the howling laughter, they politely told them "no."

[Big 12] Hi this is the Titanic we're out on the beautiful ocean right now. Would you like to buy a ticket? We'd be glad to fly you out. I'm sure you'll love the band. Oh yes, they've been playing all day and night. [/Big 12]
 
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"But we are committed to the SEC. It's the strongest conference in the country and only going to get stronger."

Nice quote.
 
Missouri is a Big Ten (or something) school. Not a good choice for an SEC invite. WV isn't a bad choice but I would rather see Clemson.

Clemson never happens because of S Carolina. Missouri is a good choice it opens up recruiting in that area.
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It's not just about football. Missouri and West Virginia definitely give the conference an upgrade in hoops. So does A&M.
 
"But we are committed to the SEC. It's the strongest conference in the country and only going to get stronger."

Nice quote.

Puts the knife in them for their arrogance and their threats to sue. The funny thing is THEY aren't allowed to contact/poach from another conference -- you have to wait until a team asks, just like we did.
 
Texas goes independent.

Oklahoma comes to the SEC.

Missouri, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Baylor move to and create the Pac 16.

Kansas, Kansas State, and Iowa State move to the WAC/MWC. Problem solved for the schools of what was formerly known as the Big 12.

Or better yet, Texas agrees to stop being a bunch of greedy Tw**s...
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All time wins:

1. Michigan
2. Texas
3. Notre Dame
4. Nebraska
5. Ohio State
6. Alabama
7. Penn State
8. Oklahoma
9. USC
10. Tennessee
11. Georgia
12. LSU
13. Auburn
14. West Virginia
15. Syracuse
16. Georgia Tech
17. Virginia Tech
18. Texas A&M
19. Pittsburgh
20. Arkansas
21. Stanford
22. Colorado
23. Washington
24. Florida
25. Miami (OH)

We'd be adding the #14 and #18 programs all time, and 9 of our 14 would be in the all-time top 25.

that says it all IMO
 
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Texas goes independent.

Oklahoma comes to the SEC.

Missouri, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Baylor move to and create the Pac 16.

Kansas, Kansas State, and Iowa State move to the WAC/MWC. Problem solved for the schools of what was formerly known as the Big 12.

Or better yet, Texas agrees to stop being a bunch of greedy Tw**s...
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You're fooling yourself if you think Mizzou is going to the Pac 12, that's one of the last things they want (same with OU just waking up and deciding to come alone to the SEC)
 
East Carolina would pull the talent out of DC. Eastern VA and alot of North and South Carolina... just as viable as WVU with fan support and is a whole lot better academically
 
Regardless of what you think of Morgantown, you aren't going there for a week long vacation. It is the tailgaiting experience and gameday atmosphere that you would be looking for as a fan. And as for a long drive, it is closer to Knoxville than Gainesville, so that doesn't really fit. Now I'm not sure it is the best fit, just don't like your argument here :)

I'll put it this way for doubters. I live In. The. Middle. Of. Nowhere. Population: squat. About five hours from Morgantown. I can name at least two people within a mile that pay to watch WVU games.

And for those that have never been there, yes, Mortantown is a dump and a long drive (and I agree, not culturally fit for the SEC) but it has a great tailgating and game day atmosphere. Those hill people LOVE their football.

And as for markets and revenue, it's less than an hour from Pittsburgh...
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I don't post that often. but this is my take here.

I feel that WVU is not a fit in the SEC but that is just me. I think a lot of people are basing the WVU by the TV exposure they had during the Rich Rod era when they played a lot on odd days. (Thursday)

That said, in the east I feel that UVA,VA Tech, NC State or even Clemson would be a better fit. Why, because these are southern schools. They might not bring much to football right away but in other sports they could contribute right away.

Getting back to the DC/ Baltimore market then it would actually be Tech. Even here in the Norfolk market its Tech.

As far as western schools go I have never had a problem with A&M. Remember, it took an act of the Texas legislature to keep A&M out during the last expansion. The others I think would be a good fit would be OK or OK State. I just don't see Missouri, Kansas or K State

Another consideration is FSU or Ga Tech. These might be a fit but I am not convinced.

The point is even though the SEC could be a 16 team conference. The logical thing would be to keep it the confines of the southern region.
 
Mizzou is not overly competitive in football, but generally good in basketball. There are also very good in academics. Columbia is an outstanding college town with great TV coverage in KC and SL. The problem I've got is there is nothing, and I mean nothing, southern about Mizzou. I agree it is more of a Big 10 type school. I can name several good matches in the east, but really have no clue outside of OK in the west who would be a good fit.
 

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