http://www.bigeastcoastbias.com/2011/10/5/2471438/virginia-politicians-kept-syracuse-out-of-the-acc-in-2003

I’ve always heard that the Virginia governor was the one that got VT in the ACC, but it was always assumed, taken as gospel that the original expansion members were going to be Syracuse, BC and Miami, this article tells a different story.

Apparently just Syracuse and Miami were the original expansion candidates, the article did not say anything about a 12th school at this particular time. The ACC held out an offer to Syracuse which they were going to take, only to have it with drawn because of VT.

This embittered Syracuse and I got the impression from the article that Syracuse still had an ACC offer, but declined it choosing instead to recommiting themselves to strengthening the Big East. Then Fredo (BC) steps in and nabs that invite.

This explains alot to me because I never understood why BC came in a year after Miami and VT until now.

It also debunks the rumor that FSU was bullying the ACC into accepting Miami with Syracuse and BC. Likely, VT was not under consideration by the ACC until the Virginia governor got involved.

Gives alot of credit to the idea that a conference like the SEC isnt going to add an instate team of a member unless the legislature or governor force the hand.

I have no argument for Clemson or FSU to the SEC if offered. They would fit better there I am sure.

It is the big 12 nonsense that I think is so stupid.