Zach’s Open Letter to the ACC got me thinking about the Big 12 after he mentioned how much the ACC hates Texas. Like most people not from Texas, I hate Texas too! [ACC country hates Texas because Mack Brown used to coach UNC - Z] Here’s some interesting numbers on the Big 12 as the season kicks off.
The Big 12 has 4 teams ranked in the preseason Top 10: Oklahoma @ #1, Texas A&M @ #8, Oklahoma State @ #9 and Missouri @ #21.
Since 2002 the Aggies have been to 5 bowl games and have won zero. That’s worse than the Big Ten in bowl games- ouch town. They are also 2-9 against Top 25 competition since the 2008 season. How the hell The Aggies received a top ten ranking I don’t know.
Their neighbor in the rankings, the Cow Pokes, are a measly 3-7 against Top 25 competition during that same period but are coming off a solid drumming of Arizona in their bowl game. The ‘Pokes have been an offensive juggernaut for several seasons now but unless their defense can make some stops, the lofty pre-season expectations will continue to be missed.
Let’s also not forget to give Big Game Bob a congrats for finally winning a BCS bowl game after 5 consecutive losses. Actually, NO! DON”T DO THAT!!! They beat Connecticut of the Big East. That conference has not deserved respect since WVU’s last BCS appearance in 2008. And even then, it was more of “Oh yeah, WVU, they’re good but it’s a shame they play in the Big East”.
The Big 12 only has 1 team ranked in the Top 25 for strength of schedule. I will give OU some credit for scheduling that game with FSU in the second week of the season. That should be exciting IF AND ONLY IF SOMEONE IN THE ACC FINALLY STANDS UP TO PRESEASON EXPECTATIONS AND STOPS SHITTING THE BED… ZACH THIS IS YOUR DEPARTMENT. FIX THIS!
Danimal OUT.
Commissioner Swofford,
As you no doubt have read, Miami is hosed. Sorry, allegedly hosed. Let’s be completely honest here and just agree that ACC expansion has not worked out exactly as everyone hoped. Let’s review:
Boston College deliver the Boston TV market to the ACC. Boston TV market? I didn’t see anyone watching a BC game in Goodwill Hunting or The Town. Unless we add the Red Sox or the Patriots to the ACC that’s not happening. Well Boston College is at least good at basketball right…. hmm, well, we can give them a few more years right?
A sold-out, exciting championship game in Florida every year! I was in Jacksonville for the 2006 Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech game. I don’t think I need to go into any more detail. Charlotte is at least a step in the right direction.
Miami is a national power and will make the ACC relevant. The ACC bought high and now it looks like we’re about to sell low… or maybe just call declare bankruptcy and pull out. Miami delivered the spotlight alright. It delivered pure and utter chaos. Miami makes Florida State look like model program. That’s an impressive feat.
Syracuse will deliver the NYC TV market. Wait, Syracuse didn’t even work out, did they? Virginia Tech was allowed in thanks to some political wrangling but so far that appears to be the one move the ACC got right.
I think the fans are willing to forgive these past transgressions if you’re willing to grow a pair and go big. (See Larry Scott Pac-12) How big? Texas Big.
The ACC should invite Texas A&M.
Positives:
- The ACC enters the Texas recruiting market.
- The ACC footprint grows and becomes less regional.
- Texas A&M adds a football pedigree and they aren’t half bad at basketball.
- Most of the ACC already hates Texas (see Mack Brown) so A&M will be a good fit.
Negatives:
- Travel… but is this really any worse than Miami or Tallahassee?
The Big East did it with TCU. We can’t let them pass us! Grow a pair Mr. Swofford and make the ACC relevant again.
Sincerely,
A humble ACC fan
