Our problems are (1) money and (2) interest. If we were ever able to get to the SEC that fixes both problems. We will have money and a sudden schedule that is full of natural and historic rivals that our fans want to see is play (as well as opposing fans who would travel to Atlanta to see their teams play). It should be our #1 goal to get back in SEC.
B1G fixes one of the problems - money. It’s debatable whether overall interest would improve given the drop off of teams in the B1G once you get past their bluebloods. Particularly a concern with travel distances.
What I am 100% sure of is that sticking with the ACC is the path to a slow death. The money sucks and no one gives AF about seeing most of our conference. Seriously - when did you last year someone say “I’m really looking forward to that Pitt/UL/Wake/NCST/Syracuse/BC game”? NEVER because no one is going to watch that öööö unless their team is playing. They will, however, watch LSU, Alabama, or Tennessee play just because it’s on.
Money:
Being back in the SECheat would be living hell. But it won't happen. We don't even need to waste the keystrokes on it. I was in school the last time it came up and they said then, and it's even more true now, that GA Tech adds nothing to the conference they don't already have. The SECheat owns ATL and GA already. Why do they need us?
The same applies to Clemson, but even more so. SC is a small state with a small population (few TVs) that is not particularly good recruiting ground (that they already have in their footprint), and where they already have the flagship school. Why would they want to add Clemson? There is no need.
Same generally for FSU. Except for the 1980's, UF has been the equal or better program most years. The SECheat already recruits FL heavily, though there are enough TVs in FL to make them think about how many FSU might add. FSU fits them culturally very well. This one might be the only possibility of a future heist.
There is no way they would invite Miami. It does not fit their model of a large passionate fanbase, and the school just does not fit the culture of the SECheat. Again, UF has the state tied up and Miami adds very few TVs.
However, being AAU, the B1G might try to poach them though, as they need a door into FL recruiting. GA Tech and UNC are two others the B1G might try to lure away for the recruiting, but they just reeled in USC and UCLA. It won't happen for a few years and by then we'll see the direction this is all going.
Interest:
I agree, the SECheat would be as close to a 10 as possible, but BDS would be full of inbred heathen week after week. Did I say living hell?
If the ACC is a 4, the B1G might be a 6, maybe. However, as you typed, once you get past UoM, tOSU, and maybe MSU and PSU, there is very little interest down here. They are all just the same as UMD. And after doing that you have to go to those towns every other year in minus-30 degree weather. Nope.
You guys can wish for all that if you want. As for me, I'm hoping that the ACC gets a clue.
