SEC vs. Big 10

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GTDan21

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I really don't understand any reason why people are arguing to go to the Big 10 over the SEC. In the Big 10 we would play Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin, and whoever else comes in. In the SEC we have Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Auburn, Miss State. In the SEC the state of Georgia borders 7 of the teams (including UGA). If they go up to 16 likely 11 will border Georgia or be in the state. Forget even about how tough going to away games would be (for both sides), wouldn't you get more excited to play all teams that border us (likely our division) instead of teams halfway across the country? Don't we all know people that are fans of Florida, Tennessee, USC, Bama, Auburn, etc. Isn't that part of the fun? Look at the top teams... I would love to play Florida, Bama, and LSU much more than Iowa, Ohio State, or Penn State. Look at the bottom too... I would much rather play Miss State, Vandy, and Kentucky than Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Any time we're in a conference or national title chase it will be fun, but a late season win that doesn't factor into that would mean a lot more against let's say Alabama or Auburn than it would against Ohio State.

Can some of you people that think GT going to the Big 10 would be amazing please tell me where I am wrong? Do you not care about regional rivalries (Georgia, Clemson, Auburn)?
 
GTDan21 said:
I really don't understand any reason why people are arguing to go to the Big 10 over the SEC. In the Big 10 we would play Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin, and whoever else comes in. In the SEC we have Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Auburn, Miss State. In the SEC the state of Georgia borders 7 of the teams (including UGA). If they go up to 16 likely 11 will border Georgia or be in the state. Forget even about how tough going to away games would be (for both sides), wouldn't you get more excited to play all teams that border us (likely our division) instead of teams halfway across the country? Don't we all know people that are fans of Florida, Tennessee, USC, Bama, Auburn, etc. Isn't that part of the fun? Look at the top teams... I would love to play Florida, Bama, and LSU much more than Iowa, Ohio State, or Penn State. Look at the bottom too... I would much rather play Miss State, Vandy, and Kentucky than Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Any time we're in a conference or national title chase it will be fun, but a late season win that doesn't factor into that would mean a lot more against let's say Alabama or Auburn than it would against Ohio State.

Can some of you people that think GT going to the Big 10 would be amazing please tell me where I am wrong? Do you not care about regional rivalries (Georgia, Clemson, Auburn)?
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:crybaby:
 
I think people are mostly afraid that the ACC will get raided and GT will be stuck in a second rate conference. To avoid that, we want to be part of one of the better conferences that are left standing when the dust settles. I love traveling to away games for a golf/football weekend and staying in a regional conference makes that possible. The SEC is the best football conference and would be a decent fit for us, but there is no certainty about what will happen. For multiple reasons, the SEC would likely pass on Tech if they are forced into expansion. In that scenario, the Big 10 would be something for Tech fans to get excited about. Neither the fans or DRad have any say in it right now, so all this talk is just "what if..."
 
GTDan21 said:
I really don't understand any reason why people are arguing to go to the Big 10 over the SEC. In the Big 10 we would play Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin, and whoever else comes in. In the SEC we have Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Auburn, Miss State. In the SEC the state of Georgia borders 7 of the teams (including UGA). If they go up to 16 likely 11 will border Georgia or be in the state. Forget even about how tough going to away games would be (for both sides), wouldn't you get more excited to play all teams that border us (likely our division) instead of teams halfway across the country? Don't we all know people that are fans of Florida, Tennessee, USC, Bama, Auburn, etc. Isn't that part of the fun? Look at the top teams... I would love to play Florida, Bama, and LSU much more than Iowa, Ohio State, or Penn State. Look at the bottom too... I would much rather play Miss State, Vandy, and Kentucky than Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Any time we're in a conference or national title chase it will be fun, but a late season win that doesn't factor into that would mean a lot more against let's say Alabama or Auburn than it would against Ohio State.

Can some of you people that think GT going to the Big 10 would be amazing please tell me where I am wrong? Do you not care about regional rivalries (Georgia, Clemson, Auburn)?
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This is like a discussion about who you want for your second wife. Your mistress or Megan Fox. Of course Megan Fox is better, but Megan isn't an option.

The real options are stay with your first wife or go with your mistress.
 
I posted this in another thread. So understand its in GT's best interest to flirt and lets rumors fly about GT to the Big Ten.

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Really its all just speculation. There was a report out of ESPN two weeks ago that said the SEC commish has been in talks with GT, FSU, etc about possible expansion. That report was later clarified to be false, but it sounded to me like a conversation that was off the record, got reported and the SEC commish basically slapped ESPN's wrist. So no telling what that means.

Then you have the fact that GT has been recently admitted into the AAU which is the Association of American Universities and a BIG TIME requirement for Big Ten admission. We are the first Big Time University in the south that has been admitted (not one SEC school is in the AAU FWIW).

So speculating on the puzzle pieces that could be, GT has in the least positioned itself knowingly or unknowingly to be a huge southern reach benefit of the Big Ten if they go to 16 teams. At the same time, it probably comes as no surprise that GT would love to be a part of SEC expansion plans because of regional allegiances and the monetary profit would be far greater than the Big Ten or the ACC. The only way we make sure we are included in the SEC expansion plan is to make ourselves a potential suitor for the Big Ten where the SEC is forced to include us in their plans whether they want to or not.

At this point there could be arguments on both sides if the SEC actually wants GT in their plans. But in the least, we seem to have met all qualifications to meet Big Ten standards.

The more GT to the Big Ten rumors there are the better it is for GT ending up in the SEC. So talk it up!!!
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I don't think there is a person on this board which would argue that the Big Ten makes more sense than the SEC. You could make this argument that we could offer something very unique to southern based recruits, but the bottom line is for attractiveness of games, proximity of allegiances and monetary benefit, the SEC is the best.

But we're not necessarily an automatic in if the SEC expands to 16. We could be black balled and passed up for a combination of FSU, Miami, WVU, VT, Clemson, Texas, A&M, etc. etc. etc. So making ourselves available to the Big Ten and discussing being in the Big Ten poses a major threat to the SEC and their territory. In which case it also makes us far more attractive than other schools to be extended an invitation to the SEC.

Either way, if the Big Ten goes to 16 and the SEC follows suit immediately... that's when GT needs to high tail its way out of the ACC. Bottom line is if expansion does indeed happen, and the Big Ten leads the way. The last thing we want is for the SEC to sit back and wait on their expansion while they see the cards fall. The only way the SEC acts immediately, is if they see the Big Ten looking hard at the South and GT. So we have to hope we are a candidate for Big Ten expansion because that will give us the in we ar elooking for in the SEC.

If we are not a candidate for Big Ten expansion, then the SEC doesn't necessarily NEED GT in their expansion plans, although even then, we still make a lot of sense but the strength of our hand is greatly diminished. Without being a real suitor for the Big Ten, we are not guaranteed a spot in the SEC.
 
GTCrew said:
This is like a discussion about who you want for your second wife. Your mistress or Megan Fox. Of course Megan Fox is better, but Megan isn't an option.

The real options are stay with your first wife or go with your mistress.
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Ha well I think we have a better chance of getting in the SEC than I do with Megan Fox, but there have been people saying that they would rather be in the Big 10 than SEC if they had the choice. That's what I can't figure out.

And I still think the SEC would want us if they go to 16. The geography works, the academics would be a boost to the SEC, and UGA could put another non-conference game in their schedule. Also we have some national championships behind us, just won the ACC, and are almost always a top 25 team.
 
GTDan21 said:
Um... ok... I guess there's no difference between asking people to clarify their opinions and whining? Well thought out response there!
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The difference is using one of the 500 already existing threads to ask people to clarify...rather than starting another one where you 'vainly' post your 'opinion'.
 
GTDan21 said:
I still think the SEC would want us if they go to 16. The geography works, the academics would be a boost to the SEC, and UGA could put another non-conference game in their schedule. Also we have some national championships behind us, just won the ACC, and are almost always a top 25 team.
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OK, but we have credible, reasonable people like Wes saying it will not happen. That makes waiting for an SEC invite a huge risk. Way too big to turn down number two for.

On the academic side, I much prefer the Big 10 over the SEC. If a fan is all about academics they will rank Big 10 above SEC. As the saying goes 'you are known by the friends you keep'. I do not fault them for that. It is a valid point of view.
 
BarrelORum said:
I posted this in another thread. So understand its in GT's best interest to flirt and lets rumors fly about GT to the Big Ten.

The only way we make sure we are included in the SEC expansion plan is to make ourselves a potential suitor for the Big Ten where the SEC is forced to include us in their plans whether they want to or not.


The more GT to the Big Ten rumors there are the better it is for GT ending up in the SEC. So talk it up!!!
:::::

So making ourselves available to the Big Ten and discussing being in the Big Ten poses a major threat to the SEC and their territory.
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BINGO BINGO BINGO....
We have a winner...

Let there be discussions on GT to the Big Ten EVERY DAY on all the GT Boards and on sports radio...The more the rumors the better for GT...No doubt...
This definetly get's the Sec's attention and even Big Ten folks....
All these rumors and discussions are great for our position....
Wes Durham did us a big favor by heating up the rumors this past Monday.

I personally would love to see us in the Big Ten but, the idea of the Sec sweating it out over the Big Ten invite to GT only strengthens our position. (IMHO.. we need 2 options the Sec and the Big Ten to be safe in this thing...We just can't afford to be left behind when the musical chairs begin)

Wes was right about GT being attractive to other conferences and you are right that all the rumors and disscusions floating around strengthens our position ! Important people that will be players in this thing DO read these message boards ( I know of one such person that was lurking here yesterday)
 
1gtfan said:
BINGO BINGO BINGO....
We have a winner...

Let there be discussions on GT to the Big Ten EVERY DAY on all the GT Boards and on sports radio...The more the rumors the better for GT...No doubt...
This definetly get's the Sec's attention and even Big Ten folks....
All these rumors and discussions are great for our position....
Wes Durham did us a big favor by heating up the rumors this past Monday.

I personally would love to see us in the Big Ten but, the idea of the Sec sweating it out over the Big Ten invite to GT only strengthens our position. (IMHO.. we need 2 options the Sec and the Big Ten to be safe in this thing...We just can't afford to be left behind when the musical chairs begin)

Wes was right about GT being attractive to other conferences and you are right that all the rumors and disscusions floating around strengthens our position ! Important people DO read these message boards ( I know of one such person that was lurking here yesterday)
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Could this have been intentional to get the attention of the SEC? In which case my hat is off to you, sir.
 
Wait....

Stingtalk posts about GT going to the Big 10 are a threat to the SEC?

BOR, seriously, are you going senile?
 
BOR's been really out-there the past few months. Usually he's pretty much right on, but lately ....
 
GiveEmHellJackets said:
Wait....

Stingtalk posts about GT going to the Big 10 are a threat to the SEC?
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Well a Georgia Tech team in the Big Ten poses a substantially larger threat to the SEC than a Georgia Tech team in the ACC does so I see where BoR is coming from. While Atlanta might not get all that jazzed up about Tech vs 3/4 of the ACC, I think it would explode if the Big Ten made 5 appearances a season in Atlanta. We would offer substantial competition for media attention and would be a pipeline for recruits who are interested in playing in the Big Ten but would prefer to remain in the South.

Also, we could host the inaugural Big Ten championship game. That would blow the doors off the SEC championship game from the National perspective - the SECCG would seem small and regional by comparison.

So, yeah, a bluff strategy, in my opinion would be quite effective in leveraging an invitation into the SEC. Basically, Tech could say either invite us or lose Atlanta and a big chunk of your recruiting base.
 
I'm surprised at how many people actually believe the SEC is a real possibility. The SEC likes the way it is because the crapton of money they make gets split evenly. I can easily see FSU, Miami, Clemson, and Texas, as well as many other southern schools getting picked over us. These schools' programs sell themselves, and make way more money than our brand does at the moment. We need to hope that the Big 10 has us in our sights cause if not, we're definitely going to be in a second rate ACC come expansion time.

BTW: Although the Big 10 sounds good with powerhouses like OSU, Michigan, and Penn State, the ACC also has powerhouse brands like Clemson, VT, Miami, and FSU. They may not be great in terms of football quality, but they make money.
 
MKDaMan1818 said:
I'm surprised at how many people actually believe the SEC is a real possibility. The SEC likes the way it is because the crapton of money they make gets split evenly. I can easily see FSU, Miami, Clemson, and Texas, as well as many other southern schools getting picked over us. These schools' programs sell themselves, and make way more money than our brand does at the moment. We need to hope that the Big 10 has us in our sights cause if not, we're definitely going to be in a second rate ACC come expansion time.

BTW: Although the Big 10 sounds good with powerhouses like OSU, Michigan, and Penn State, the ACC also has powerhouse brands like Clemson, VT, Miami, and FSU. They may not be great in terms of football quality, but they make money.
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I like the ACC but Clemson, VT, Miami and FSU are not OSU, Michigan and Penn State. Check out who the bowls want, check out fan base, etc. It's not close - it will be some day as more and more people enjoy the air conditioning of the south. But not right yet.

As to the original question asked by someone: Yes, I would gladly go to the Big Ten. The reason is simple: MONEY. We need it, they've got it. We'd be able to compete head to head with UGA and potentially even take over the state one day.

I do believe Atlanta to have a lot of Big Ten Alumni who want to fill up BDS and truthfully that's the ONLY part of the SEC that I like. The Big Ten fans are similar to us, enjoyable to spend some time with. Not all of the SEC is enjoyable to be around.

The Big Ten is also a nice group of schools, not unlike the ACC, which I enjoy. The difference is that just about every school in the Big Ten has a very large fan base, while the ACC is still "small private school feel". We get to enjoy the trappings of being in a conference with massive fan base through better bowls, better TV arrangements, and full stadiums.

I like the ACC, but they don't get it still. We should have been in north and south divisions and should have filled each other stadiums to help build excitement.
 
My experience is that "insiders" is a very loose terms. The AA's and conferences have a lot of people who work in their offices. A lot of things are proposed never happen, like maybe the SEC offering us and FSU.

Same goes for Wes. He's been in on the program and knows the history of us and the SEC, but does he really know that the SEC would never offer us? Or is it just conjecture on his part based on our history?

DRad has deep SEC ties and there's the weird postponement of our series with Bama. The SEC could pretty much monopolize the Atlanta TV market, as well as the Florida market, by taking in us, FSU and Miami.

And if they go to 16 teams, you have to ask what their other options are for four teams. If an annexation of Texas is not a possibility and the SEC expands eastward, we're a better fit geographically and historically than schools like VT.

I also just can't get over the geographic disparity with us and the Big 10. It's not like the MAC or WAC where every school has to fly to every other school, nor is it like BC and the ACC who shares a history with Miami and VT. We're completely out in left field for the Big 10 and share just about no history with them. I just can't make sense of it and I have to say it's probably just Internet fodder after us joining the AAU, which is probably completely unrelated.
 
We asked to get back in the SEC in 1978 and they crapped all over us. I expect the same treatment if we go begging there again.
 
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