ACC votes 7 to 2 to add 3 Teams

[Water Pony]

Tuesday, ACC voted to add three teams. Which three teams beyond Miami is to be determined. Politically, VA needs to support Va Tech. Also, note comment that WAC would go after Tulane, So. Miss, TCU and Houston, if Conf. USA is raided for Big East back-fill.

<A HREF="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2003-05-13-conference-expansion_x.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2003-05-13-conference-expansion_x.htm</A>

[Charleston Pony]

Let's just hope now that the votes are in, the ACC can pull this off because it sets the stage for the rest of the world to come together geographically.

When all is said and done, I just hope we have to travel no further than El Paso or Memphis for a conference game.

[Water Pony]

CP

I couldn't agree more. Geography should be a primary driver. People talk about money as the only filter. I can't deny the importance, but revenue maximization is elusive.

Savings money on travel for all sports, cutting back on outrageous salaries and endorsements and increasing attendance through natural, regional rivalries would mean more than simply chasing the TV contracts and extra games played.

The idea of super conferences accelerates the problem for almost all schools. Miami lost money when they won the National Championship two years ago. University Presidents need to be sincere in addressing the real causes of financial distress, not just maximizing revenue for the Top 25 teams. It has to work for the majority, not just the successful teams in BCS conferences.

[Water Pony]

Contrarian view from San Jose on ACC Expansion. Big losers: Va Tech, Conn., etc. Supports view of money making things worse

<A HREF="http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/5854117.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/5854117.htm</A>

[Nacho]

I have to let this digest for a minute but any way you look at it the ACC expansion is a very good thing for SMU. Either an expaned WAC-12 or a regional WAC-C-USA is better than the present arrangement. I am very pleased and excited.