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M
Millpoint OP
Sep 25, 2023 at 07:43 PM ET
Flugaur this evening, ACC related
Just listened to part of his show. Didn’t catch it all and probably missed some things. Says Act 3 has started. Florida State is on the side of the stage. ND is now in for the first time in 5th row. B1G commish Pettiti is in 6th row with NBC. UNC, Clemson, UVA and VT in the foyer. I know this theater stuff is weird. He says NBC would prefer ND to join B1G and would pay handsomely for it. It would also benefit FSU and B1G schools. ND, FSU and UNC are the big prizes. He is not saying this will happen, just has intel that discussions are going on. He was correct before anyone else about USC to B1G. He was also saying Colorado and Arizona to Big 12 for five months as well as Oregon and Washington to B1G. I would be shocked if ND gave up independence but money talks so who knows. I’m not saying this will happen or I even want it to happen. Just wanted to post for anyone who may be interested. And if not I totally get that too. Also said SEC will want to be in NC and Va. Take it for what it’s worth which probably isn’t much. ** Edited by Millpoint at 9/25/2023, 7:46:02 PM ** Edited by Millpoint at 9/25/2023, 7:47:29 PM ** Edited by Millpoint at 9/25/2023, 7:50:15 PM ** Edited by Millpoint at 9/25/2023, 7:51:06 PM ** Edited by Millpoint at 9/25/2023, 8:09:16 PM ** Edited by Millpoint at 9/25/2023, 8:11:17 PM

49 Replies

H
HOO86
With everyone absorbing PAC12 schools next year
The SEC, B1G, ACC, and Big12 will be pretty well busy integrating the new members, So it will be the 2030s before the next moves IMO. The B1G and Big12 are absorbing 4 new members. The ACC absorbing 3. The SEC absorbing 2. The B1G and Big 12 have their new contracts, and the SEC and ACC already had theirs into the 2030s.
S
Stech
You are probably right, but it would be financial suicide unless 8 left
before June 30th. I could see the courts saying if the majority leave, that’s not the same contract they signed, thus there would be a reasonable settlement. However, once SMU, Cal and Stanford join this summer, I just don’t see how they can get to a majority. Bottom line is this 3-4 teams leaving, makes no sense without some major change in college football that we don’t know about. ** Edited by Stech at 9/27/2023, 12:36:12 PM
goldendomer goldendomer
I actually like Fluguar, but this is odd. Why would we twist arms to get
Stanford and Cal into the ACC only to ditch it. That is an interesting idea. If NBC does not come close to our number than I do agree that we have reduced options. ** Edited by goldendomer at 9/26/2023, 8:42:37 AM
2
2hhoop3
What do you like........
about Fluguar? My opinion is he is nothing more than a BIG mouthpiece fed information that the powers in Rosemont want distributed at the appointed time. It doesn't matter whether the info is about a school or conference outside the BIG, the ultimate motive always leads back to what the BIG and their partners want. ** Edited by 2hhoop3 at 9/26/2023, 10:05:31 AM
goldendomer goldendomer
Personally, I think it is a fun channel and he is harmless. He gets tidbits
correct, which is more than most "insiders". ** Edited by goldendomer at 9/26/2023, 2:28:32 PM
2
2hhoop3
Everytime......
I see him or hear him Newman from Seinfeld comes to mind. I think most people view him as a BIG mouthpiece and, in essence, it is a way for the BIG to communicate without getting their hands dirty. In that respect, how harmless it really is COULD be in question. Thanks for your reply
Maroon Baboon Maroon Baboon
"Newman" LOL. 💀
Maroon Baboon Maroon Baboon
Speaking of shills, did you hear the clip from Finebaum that ND might fail
to get a playoff bid due to their "arrogance"? I was curious as to what we was talking about, so I went against my better judgment and clicked on it. Here, he defines "arrogance" as "not joining a conference". Wow. Really insightful. As if we all didn't know that not being in a conference is detrimental to getting a bid. Even Notre Dame knows this. And they understand the consequences. How he REALLY defines arrogance is anyone who doesn't do what the P2 want.
2
2hhoop3
ET hears things....
with those satellite dishes he calls ears. He only sometimes correctly interprets those things and, in a bit of irony, is generally completely unable to really communicate anything without appearing totally arrogant. I did not hear the ND clip as I rarely give a second thought to anything he is saying.
reestuart reestuart
He's a bona-fide moron. ND isn't getting left out due to being an indy.
M
MrFantastic!
ND desires as is.
When all said and done can they allow ACC to die? Would they join? Or go to BIG? To me ACC is their desire.
M
Millpoint OP
He's been extremely pro ND Big Ten for years
I agree with you, it all depends on the money. He said the networks, NBC, Fox and CBS would work out the financials including ACC exit fees. We shall see. He must have contacts in the know because he has been spot on more than once. I just feel like ND is the uncatchable white whale. He did say several times this is far from a done deal, just negotiations ongoing.
B
Big12 guy
Someone will buy the ND home games. The recent ND OSU game was
compelling because it had national championship implications, and it was an OOC game. That game loses its luster the second they are in the same conference. You watch, the PAC teams going to the Big 10, will get the eyeballs for a few years, but those games too will fall off the cliff. There can be only one conference champion, and those blue blood matchups will only cannibalize each other.
reestuart reestuart
Ohio State-ND will get huge numbers even if they both join the Sun Belt.
Just like Ohio State Michigan does. ND and Ohio State are arguably the biggest brands in college football.
B
Big12 guy
ND OSU is not a rivalry. Could be, but they aren't. Penn State Nebraska
is not a rivalry, but they are considered blue bloods. Rivalries are formed when they are playing for something. It's why Indiana and Purdue don't get national attention, they never play for anything significant. OSU and ND both get the ratings who ever they play, but the luster of the game will be lost if they are in the same conference.
reestuart reestuart
Until Ohio State or ND start getting lower numbers on their own, I think
any time they play will have huge ratings. I could be wrong, but I honestly doubt it.
B
Big12 guy
Maybe, as those two schools might not be the best barromater. They are
arguably the most popular brands, with the largest following. They could both go a decade without winning 10 games, and they would still get the eyeballs. I don't want to see a ND OSU game every year, unless it's in the playoffs.
reestuart reestuart
You have to figure an annual Ohio State ND game will do as good or better
than Ohio State PSU does every year, and that game always gets monster numbers.
Maroon Baboon Maroon Baboon
Taking regional intrigue out of the sport is a big mistake.
People loved the Rose Bowl every year pre-BCS because it was the champion of Midwest vs. the champion of the West. Used to be appointment viewing. Not any more.
V
VintonHokies
agreed
H
Hardcore_Hokie
I’ve been saying the same
When Texas and Oklahoma can’t even compete for a CONFERENCE championship, things will start looking differently. Florida State wanting out of the ACC is laughable to me, they are nationally relevant because of it. Super-conferences seem great until you realize they aren’t.
B
Big12 guy
Look at how many VT fans want to be in the P2. Where does that get them?
While I understand it's all about the money, it's my contention that they paid too much for the media rights of both the Big 10 and the SEC. While I understand they will make more than the current B12 for instance, the disparity in the money is too much, and the networks will find that the top 20% of the watched teams need the 80% to be successful. Texas and OU may have a shining season in the SEC, but they will be perennial 7-5 and 8-4 teams like A&M. USC might continue to be a brand in the Big10, but that is because the football in the Big 10 is overrated. You can blame the coach situation at Nebraska, but where are they in the new blue blood conference. While the New12 lost their "national" brands, we also lost the status of being Texas's B*tch. The stadiums are full, and while there isn't a stand alone brand currently, they will be competitive. Steal a national championship here and there, and College Football is fun again.
T
TerryD
That was entirely done to stay independent
W
WBGV
Flugaur also mentioned that 4 members blocked Calford from the Big 12
according to a report out today. There is an article in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram by Mac Engel who reported the Stanford & CAL were blocked by 4 schools (KSU, ISU, OSU, and TT) from Big 12 membership and out of desperation they called the ACC. This enabled SMU to then approach the ACC with a “work for free” proposal. What a mess! John Kurtz (KSU) discussed the article on his podcast. Link below. Video: 9 minutes ** Edited by WBGV at 9/25/2023, 9:59:23 PM
4
4x4hokies
The Big12 original members are giving up $7mil a piece to pay the newbies
That was a non-starter for the ACC. Nobody was going to do anything that took from their own money. The Big12 couldn't reduce original member's shares forever. They found their limit.
B
Big12 guy
They didn't block them, ESPN/Fox didn't give them the money to
expand, and Cal/Stanford would never have taken the deal they got from the ACC to join the truck stop B12 conference. Th3 B12 would have been lucky to get those Universities, but let's face it, it was never in the cards.
W
WBGV
Who really knows if the report was factual or not?
Since SMU is joining the ACC for free and Calford is reported to be taking a significant reduction in media payout, I’m not so sure that money was the only driving issue. I respectfully disagree about the value that these two Universities bring to any sports conference. It’s a safe bet that these schools wanted in the B1G or the Big 12 as their conference fell apart, but found little support for membership. Joining a conference on the opposite coast and at a reduced media rights payout makes no sense whatsoever. Calford from an academic standpoint certainly looks down on Big 12 schools, but they also look down on most of the ACC schools. CAL by itself has twice the number of Nobel Prize Winners as all of the ACC schools combined. If we have learned anything over the last year, it is that academic reputation really isn’t a major factor in conference affiliation as we were all led to believe.
M
Millpoint OP
Saw that earlier today
Glad enough of the Big 12 didn’t want them.
S
Stech
Interesting, only way I can see this happening is NCSU with FSU to SEC, I
don't think UNC will leave NCSU out of the P2.
M
Millpoint OP
I didn’t hear him say how VT fit into this exactly
I guess there’s a lot of possibilities.
M
MrFantastic!
Potential, past, and state of VA
T
tarheelblue
Oregon, Washington, and Oklahoma couldn't save WSU and OSUs
Let's hope UNC and Virginia have more bargaining power to pull in State and Tech. I really don't want to see these schools separated.
S
Stech
Everything i have heard is that VT and UVA are a package, I would not be
surprised if it is the same thing with UNC and NCSU. All four could go to the SEC. I still don't think the SEC gains much by adding FSU and Clemson, but I do think the B1G definitely would love to have them. They really need games in the South, with so many people moving South in their retirement years. Every 8 seconds a Baby Boomer turns 65.
S
ScottyHeel
All 4 of UNC, State, UVA and VT
To the SEC is the ideal outcome. Well maybe not ideal but I think it’s the best thing that’s realistically possible. And I think we are tied with State, same as you and UVA.
B
BAMAHOKIE
Why would SEC want sucky VT ?
H
Hardcore_Hokie
You got a VT license plate? Jersey? Flag in your yard?
VT fans spend money on their team. We travel to games. We watch on TV even when they suck, nevermind playing against a Tennessee, Auburn, LSU. If Mississippi State, Kentucky, Missouri, Ole Miss are SEC brands, I sure as hell would want Virginia Tech.
B
Big12 guy
K-State has the same type of fans, but they don't make the cut? Out here
in flyover country, no one watched the VT game last saturday. I did, but was asked to change channels several times. Now, if i was in your neck of the woods, I would imagine i would get the same response. My point is that college football is not the "national" league the networks seem to want. It's regional, and very few eyeballs on the East coast will watch a texas tech K-State game, much like no one in the Midwest will watch a NC State VT game. Unless they are ranked, and the game has national championship implications. K-state has a good football program, the type of fan base that the SEC has. It's about branding, not markets. rutgers has shown the network executives that. so even if they win 10 games a year for the next decade, do you think K-state would get an invite to the SEC?
H
Hardcore_Hokie
Virginia has 3x the population of Kansas…
…and is neighbored by Maryland, DC, North Carolina, Tennessee, (basically) Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Northern Virginia is basically the richest area in the country. We have a ton of major TV markets, including Richmond, Tidewater/757, Northern VA/DC, Baltimore, Roanoke, Charlotte. And VT’s fanbase and marketing is second to none - SEC level. Enter Sandman, Free Bacon Freethrows, Turkey Legs, Lunch Pail Defense, Lane Stadium, Cassel Colliseum, etc The SEC would love to add VT in football right now, I just think it won’t matter in 3-4 years when all conferences implode.
B
Big12 guy
ya I now, Virginia is a MUCH better market than kansas, but I think you
missed my point. Rutgers has the largest TV market than any team other than maybe LA. No one watches Rutgers football East or West of the Mississippi. Lok at the "market" of Cal stanford. Holy smokes, there are Millions of people there........ A "brand" is much different. If K-State (example) doesn't have the "brand" to get into the hypothetical new league, then other schools need to look in the mirror. I'm Not a K-State guy, but see first hand the fervor of their fan base, and they are notorious for filling up bowl stadiums, and not just the the 6. I guarantee you, there is no one in the Atlantic Coastal states that even have then on their radar. I've lived in both places, and know first hand what kinds of fans we are talking about, and I would put K-state fans in the same league as VT fans.
H
Hardcore_Hokie
Oh I would absolutely put K-State fans in the same category as VT
I’ve always considered Kansas State, West Virginia, and Texas A&M (pre-SEC) as the most comparable football fanbases to VT. Bill Snyder and Frank Beamer - very comparable. There are a few other schools that relate, but as far as a *passionate underdog fanbase*, those are the few I think of first.
B
Big12 guy
Ya, but the K-State fans are not clamoring for BIG or SEC invite.
H
Hardcore_Hokie
I’m not either because I think it’s short-sighted
The ACC’s GOR was to keep the league together, and a few years later Florida State wants out? FSU won the ACC like 11 of 12 years and won three football National Championships because of it. I don’t know how you measure that $$$ versus current conference media deals but I guarantee Ole Miss, Missouri, Rutgers, Purdue, Northwestern, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt would trade places with FSU in a heartbeat. I’ll state my stance once again…college football conferences will be unrecognizable in 3-4 years. ESPN Conference FOX Conference NBC Conference CBS Conference Amazon Prime Conference Apple Conference YouTube Conference ** Edited by Hardcore_Hokie at 9/26/2023, 11:39:45 PM
B
Big12 guy
I will not try to predict the future, but if the G5 can not compete, it's
all over but the crying. if a G5 team can not invest and compete - then play for a national championship like TCU did? Then it's not college ball anymore.
H
Hardcore_Hokie
Agreed and it will get fixed. These networks are already realizing…
…they overpaid and are hurting financially. That’s why ESPN laid off all those employees and Disney is reportedly trying to sell ABC and ESPN. Things are gonna be way different in the next few years, so just embrace your team and current conference. Won’t matter pretty soon. (Also why Cal, Stanford, SMU were just like whatever let’s just stay relevant for 3 years)
E
EDGEMAN
Fanbase
We may suck today, but our fanbase is exactly what the SEC looks for in new candidates. We sell tickets. We travel to visitor's stadiums and bowl games. That's something that Miami can't claim. They suck in selling tickets. They suck in fans traveling. And heaven help them when they attend a bowl game outside of Miami. They may have 500 fans in attendance for Florida bowls, and 300 outside the state of Florida. They have one of the worst P5 fanbases. I consider them a "smoke and mirrors" program that is just propped up by ESPN to get viewers.
H
HOKIEGOBBLE
I don’t always agree with EDGE, but when I do…
It’s when he says the truth about the Miami team without a stadium!🥴🫣🙃🤣😎😂 The canes can’t even put people in their own stadium that they borrow from a pro team many miles away…
E
EDGEMAN
There are more F$U, UF, ND, etc. fans in Miami than Hurricane fans.
Lived in Miami for three years around the turn of the century (when Miami was really good), and you couldn't find Miami fans in sports bars anywhere in the city. Maybe they had some place around CG they used to go, or they all stayed home and watched the games on TV?
3
33laszlo99
I don't think they are looking at North/South migration. It's much more
immediate than that. Fox made huge ad revenue from B1G sports. That was what drew-in CBS and NBC, and it's why NBC wants Notre Dame in The B1G.
M
Millpoint OP
He didn’t mention NC State
But I agree, Carolina politics.