Does anyone KNOW what Wildhack’s stance is on the ACC’s 8+2 vs. 9+1 schedule model? Everyone thinks we are a 9+1 schedule school, and I would likely agree. But I certainly don’t know.
To me, as presently constituted, I believe the best solution is 9+1. I simply want to play Miami, Virginia, UNC more than once every 6 years. Or have them visit the Dome more than once every dozen years.
· But, remember, Wildhack comes from ESPN. I think I read that he had a hand in the match-making process that helps bring together the ESPN football/programming schedule. Perhaps an argument came be made that the 8+2 model can be used to SU’s advantage because of Wildhack’s rolodex. It appears that everyone likes the man.
· The one bit of middle ground that I could see (and I don’t think it is legal by NCAA rules), is to ditch the divisions and go to the 3+5+5 format that has been discussed here with some frequency. SU would likely play BC, Pitt and (perhaps) Louisville annually, no matter what. Then the other 10 ACC teams would rotate in every other year. So, Miami would play in the Dome every 4th year. Same with Clemson, FSU, Wake. The problem with this is that I don’t think that this allows for an ACC Championship game (taking the top 2 teams). IIRC, that B1G DeLaney blocked the ACC because he senses the ACC has some major MOJO going and all he has is Urban, Harbaugh and Michigan State. Okay, I am exaggerating, but I really cannot wait until DeLaney slides into the retirement. He’s smart, but not nearly as smart as he thinks he is (or those B1G academics tell him he is).
· Lastly, I cannot believe what a bunch of pansies some ADs and Head Coaches are. Some schools don’t want to play 11 games a year against P5 competition. I don’t see the Yankees taking on the Pawtucket Red Sox. I don’t see the Pittsburgh Penguins scheduling the Rochester Amerks. I don’t see the Chicago Bull hosting the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants. The whole FBS thing is worse than NFL pre-season if you ask me.
· I LOVE college football. But the number of spineless bureaucrats “leading” these Athletic Departments is embarrassing. There is no need to maximize every dime for the greater good. If I lose a home game every third year, but gain the $5-8M annual revenue from the ACC Network, I am not going to cry like these fools are. What I am going to do is explain to my boss (the college President) why we are playing 5 road games and hope he is smart enough to understand. Trust me, they’ll get it.