I was trying to think, why the ACC divisions are such a monstrosity? With Syracuse added, the Atlantic division is further weakened when the perception is that the Atlantic division was the weaker of the 2 to begin with, but it could have something to do with the ACC Championship Game and Orange bowl.

Perhaps the ACC thought they were doing Clemson and FSU, as well as the conference and Orange bowl a favor so it just about guarantees that FSU or Clemson get a spot at the ACCCG. Besides that maybe they thought that lightening their conference schedule would be in their best interest sense they also have tough OOC rivals.

With either FSU or Clemson going to the ACCCG all of the time, coupled with a light conference schedule, it would just about guarantee FSU and Clemson to be ranked probably in the top 15, if not top 10 each time they go and of course the fans and national interest both teams command.

If you don’t go to the ACCCG, then you have no shot at the Orange bowl. With that principle in mind, I think the Orange bowl committee would be delighted to know they are pretty much guaranteed to get either a highly ranked VT, FSU and Clemson 90% of the time.

Remember Maryland was rocking under Fridge for those three years before expansion. BC was playing well too under TOB. GT, UNC and UVA were all swimming in mediocrity. Coastal seemed a bit stronger at the top back then with 2 of the 3 heavyweights, but the Atlantic appeared deeper.

Divisions were drawn for Miami and FSU to meet in a championship game in Florida. That was the only reason.

We know how that worked out.

I just wish the ACC cared about football.

SoPinesHeel - 21 May 2012 10:35 AM

I just wish the ACC cared about football.

We all do.  We have wished that for YEARS.

Point missed or ignored. That has been happening for YEARS.

Interesting take. Sounds like a great place to me!

http://dev.chuckoliver.net/2012/05/the-miscalculations-which-lead-to-my-missing-the-fsu-to-big-12-story/

“I am one of the few who continue to be able to recognize the Big 12 as a fundamentally instable coalition.  Between its new bowl partnership with the SEC and a 13-year “grant of rights” which binds each member institutions’ media rights (TV games) to the conference, the leagues’ future appears secure.  I don’t however find a commitment genuine when it’s given at the point of a gun.  The current schools’ commitment to the Big 12 was given when none of those schools had any other option for a conference home.  Fact is Texas (and Texas Tech) and Oklahoma (and Oklahoma State) would rather be in the Pac 12 than Big 12.  They applied for membership and were denied.  Florida State and Clemson, if they do join, would much rather be in the SEC than Big 12, but were not invited.  The Big 12 is a marriage of convenience at best and more likely of last resort.  Thirteen of 14 SEC member institutions if given the ability to join any conference would choose to remain with the SEC (I’m sure Missouri still deep-down covets Big 10 membership.)  Twelve of 12 Big 10 schools and 12 of 12 Pac 12 schools would choose to stay in their league.  If the Big 12’s membership could magically determine its own conference affiliation how many of them do you think would stay in the Big 12?  Maybe Baylor and TCU?  Kansas State and Iowa State? A lack of options and now money are the only things binding the Big 12 schools together.  They share none of the brotherhood and vision for the future which exists in the SEC, Big 10 and Pac 12.  When other options present themselves, or more money is available elsewhere, you can bet your bottom dollar the Big 12 will again destabilize as its members continue to seek a more desirable home.”

Chadd Scott…...LMAO!  Dude is getting WRECKED lately for the 100% inaccuracy rate he posts and writes at.  Dude is a JOKE.  So this article he completely turns the car around and now says FSU and Clemson are going to the Big 12?  His last article said theres no chance in hell that happens.  I take him with a whole shaker of salt.

I know…what an idiot. He doesn’t post what you already agree with.
Once again…the self-fulfilling prophesy.

No, he just flip flops more then a presidential candidate.  He has no accuracy in his reporting and is just a terrible journalist.

Remember when he wrote these?
http://dev.chuckoliver.net/2012/05/forget-rumors-reasons-why-fsu-would-never-join-the-big-12/
http://dev.chuckoliver.net/2012/05/arguments-favoring-fsu-clemsons-move-to-big-12-lack-merit/

And now, oh wait!  FSU is moving all of a sudden!  He’s just terrible!  If you follow anyone at Chuckoliver.net follow Ingram Smith.  Chadd Scott and Taylor King are both chumps that write terrible articles with 0 merit to them.

ACC should follow the PAC-12 model for it’s championship game.  Just let the team with the best record host it.

Believe me i had already read that flip flop. Ingram Smith is a comcast journalist and from what they say knows some people at FSU. He says FSU Clemson are done deals and inevitable. Come to think of it that is what I have been saying from day one. Do you think I should interview somewhere as a journalist or sportswriter?

I have to mention also one FSU proponent state, “President Barron and athletic director Spetman” probably won’t be told by the BOT that FSU is leaving until the last minute.” Their job is to know nothing about nothing.

This has just been a situation where common sense will work every time for you.