They’d rack up a lot of airline points. Clemson University Board of Trustees President David Wilkins declared recently that if Clemson was presented with an opportunity to move conferences, the Tigers would seriously consider it.
There are pros and cons, of course. Imagine the Tigers getting ready for a game in Death Valley to take on the Sooners or the Longhorns. Chills. Or what Dabo Swinney would do if he had grounds to seriously recruit Texas or Oklahoma. Chad Morris, whose coaching ties are rooted in Texas, would have some serious pull with prized recruits.
But there are more cons than pros. If Florida State and Virginia Tech leave the ACC, my mind would change, but presently the Tigers, or any other ACC school for that matter, shouldn’t jump.
Photo credit: Zimbio.com
Clemson fans, think about it. As of right now, IF Clemson can manage to go through the regular season undefeated, including winning the ACC Championship game, the Tigers would probably be headed to the National Championship, and if a 4-team playoff were to come about, they would most certainly be included in that. With Commissioner Swofford’s implementation of a 9 game regular season, yes it’ s more difficult to schedule out of conference games with strong opponents, but it’s not impossible. Where’s the competitive advantage if you leave?
According to CUTigers.com, current Clemson running back commit Wayne Gallman has “had a lot of thoughts” recently about choosing Clemson because he’s heard their name so much in talks of conference realignment. He said he’d take a look around the SEC if the Clemson jumped ship to the Big 12. And I can’t say I blame him. Read more here.
This is ALL about football and money. However, the ACC has always prided itself on academics. What about us normal students- would my degree mean something less if it were associated with the Big 12? What about other sports where the ACC has traditionally has been dominant, like golf, track and field, and soccer?
This is Clemson we’re talking about. The school that everyone says rivals an SEC atmosphere on gameday. The school that has orange paw prints on the road leading you to campus. And the school that ranks with best in terms of tradition, passion, and support. Why mess with that?
And ahhem, what about basketball? What am I thinking, who cares. Sorry folks, I was raised in Tobacco Road Country.
AnnaHickey
Recent Comments