There has to be a secret 14th team in the works

I was thinking the same thing...

Yep, I also think 14 is locked up. Slive just has to allow the process to play out (team officially 'declares interest', then withdraws from its conference, then gets the invite).

I think its WVU.

SEC officials want it to be Va Tech just as much as you, but they have to work with teams that are actually willing to join.

WVU is by far most likely.

quote:

---

Va Tech

---

I wish. I would love to see them as A&M's permanent rival.

But the ACC doesn't appear to be in turmoil. They've learned well from the SEC that revenue sharing creates cohesion and happy (and successful) members, while carving their own niche as a basketball-oriented conference.

I think WVU is the top choice, balances out the divisions without moving anyone or ruining rivalries.

I honestly think there are only 13 right now. You kick over the anthill and see what comes crawling out. The SEC could have half the Big-12, once that implodes, or some ACC teams could come calling if they get raided by the Big-16.

It's like a game of checkers. Make the first move and then see what the other guy does.

quote:

---

or some ACC teams could come calling if they get raided by the Big-16

---

I don't think the ACC is going to crack.

Ignoring the UNC/Duke rumors (they had no plans to leave and destroy their rivalry), how about all the rumors that VT and NC State were candidates? Both of those schools could fit well in the SEC (and NC State could, like A&M, offer something to NC football players that its rivals couldn't).

But both schools have repeatedly rejected the notion of leaving the ACC. Unless one or both of them is feeding some serious misinformation to the public, they're out of the picture.

They'd be better off pushing for Rice. That would guarantee them their one win.

But Tulane was a charter member so they might have the upper hand.

<<----hopes a deal is in the works and crosses fingers its not WVU.

quote:

---

I don't think the ACC is going to crack.

Ignoring the UNC/Duke rumors (they had no plans to leave and destroy their rivalry), how about all the rumors that VT and NC State were candidates? Both of those schools could fit well in the SEC (and NC State could, like A&M, offer something to NC football players that its rivals couldn't).

But both schools have repeatedly rejected the notion of leaving the ACC. Unless one or both of them is feeding some serious misinformation to the public, they're out of the picture.

---

About half the Virginia Tech fanbase badly wants the SEC while the other half are fine with the ACC but wouldn't be unhappy with the SEC.

NC State fans are much more united in leaving for the SEC. Their fanbase seems to have the same issues with UNC and Duke that A&M fans have with Texas. They feel like they can easily keep their basketball games with both and could offer SEC football to North Carolina recruits. If NC State admins listened to popular fan opinion, they would be a strong candidate to bolt for the SEC. Va Tech is my 1st choice for #14, but I'd be pleased with NC State as well. Respectable football program that can be middle of the pack SEC most years and in the upper half in basketball. New markets are added as well. They also add a nice program without making the schedule too brutal (like adding FSU).