Makes sense and a heck of a power move by the SEC. So they land VT, UNC, NC St and who else? Clemson?
Clemson and FSU seem to be a package deal to the SEC. Both met with the SEC in Birmingham AL this year. Do not know if it was the same day, I doubt it.
This next realignment seems way different from any in the past probably due to political intrusion, never a good thing.
As it stands now league expansion seem incredibly hot even to the point that several have reported that the big media outlets ESPN and CBS have been involved in discussions with some of these programs, to what extent is largely unknown to writers and the public.
Out on a limb here but I think Miami and ND could end up being travel partners to the Big 10. I also think Miami could be the first to announce to the Big 10.
Announcing and signing a contract are two different things. It seems that this time around programs could announce their intent to leave down the road in a certain year but not have signed any contracts other than maybe some sort of promissory to the conference they would be joining.
I think there would have to be some sort of legal agreement between the program and their new conference without jeopardizing their (ACC) legal arrangement with their current conference.
The only way I see a complete breakaway this year or next is if the Media companies and the conferences step up and agree to pay at least part of the fines and exit fees for these teams. I actually think that could happen in some cases such as a UNC.
Never trust ESPN they are the Media Evil Empire of college football. IMO they will attempt to have all three Florida power teams in the SEC, and they will throw the money around and make any promise to accomplish that if they can. Having said that Miami seems to have little appetite for the SEC.