My thoughts on this thread after being away for a day and half:
- Holy crap!
- Louisville was the one of two possible replacements for Maryland and if the rumors (FSU and Clemson were leaving if football wasn't addressed) are true, it held The ACC together. IF that's the case, it was the only possible add. I have no clue if it's what went down, but completely understand The ACC's reasoning if it was.
- No matter the reason, the Louisville add was a black eye for The ACC reputation. Either they went back on their principle of academic schools (UConn is a better school than Louisville) or they lied to WVU. Not a big deal, but they did backtrack in someway.
- Swofford is not a bumbling fool, but made a HUGE mistake when he signed over The ACC's entire tv package to ESPN and Raycom for what amounts to a tier 1/2 money. I understand that while the traditional powers like UNC/FSU/UVA/Clemson will be fine, the bottom end will struggle. I actually think he is doing very well for the hand he has (and is partially responsible for). I believe that the addition of Miami, BC, Pitt, and 'Cuse were all done trying to get ND in the fold. Trying to get as many schools like ND (private, great academic schools in areas where many ND students come from) to lure The Irish into ACC membership was the plan. From what I have gathered, 'Cuse was supposed to be in when BC and Miami were invited, but The Virginia government pressured UVA to push for VT's invite instead. That tells me that The ACC was trying (or planning on trying) to lure ND for a very long time. When it looked like ND was staying independent in 2012, they made deal. Miami was a no brainer at the time, and 'Cuse appeased the BB schools too.
- In my opinion, the real reason The ND administration does't want the Big10 is they need to be a presence where they want and get their students from: The NE/NYC metro areas. Sure there is animosity toward The Big10 on the ND fans and alumni part, but I highly doubt that if being in The Big10 was best for ND, those events would prevent The ND administration from doing what is best for the school. They already have a presence in the biggest city in The Midwest (Chicago), but playing games in NY state, Boston, Pennsylvania (Pitt games are broadcast in the Philly area, I presume) and playing against teams that have a large NE/NYC alumni presence (Miami, Duke) is huge getting their brand out to prospective students.
- UMD is not deadbeat, but wasn't smart in saying they were going to fight it. Every school fights the exit fees. Only WVU payed the actual amount because they felt they were going to be left behind if they didn't join the B12 on the B12's terms. Of course they aren't paying, would you if you were in a lawsuit about an amount you didn't agree with? Any lawyer would say no.
- The addition of UMD and Rutgers most definitely wasn't a very good move on a performance basis, but it was a brilliant move in the conference realignment endgame. By taking UMD and Rutgers, it opened up the NYC area to further movement. Along with PSU, it made a bridge to NYC, allowed for further expansion if/when Rutgers wasn't enough without putting candidates out on an island. It partnered The BTN with the YES network in the NYC area. It also put 'Cuse, BC, and Pitt a long was away both distance and culturally speaking from their nearest member (UVA and VT). Being contingent with the traditional Big10 schools leaves so many possibilities open.
- I don't have an issue with ND not playing Michigan. Even though I have always enjoyed rivalry, I understand situations change. The only issue I have is telling Michigan on the day of a huge game at the last minute possible so they could have the last one at ND this year.
- And, for what this thread is about, I think UConn best fits in the Big 10 as it's fits best institutionally. The Big10 is a great BB conference (better than The ACC the past few years, imo). They fit the mold of a Big10 school, academically. I believe that the combo of PSU, Rutgers, and UConn would solidify the Philly/Jersey/NYC area as best as it could be (the only help would be either ND or if St. John's/NYU had a football team). By doing that, along with the basketball aspect, would be a boon for UConn both athletically and financially.