This has never been an exploration relating to culture or regional fit. Clemson (along with FSU and UNC) are the final major chips in play relative to two divergent quests: 1) The SEC's intention to lock down a region, and 2) the B1G's intention to create a National superconference. The economics associated with the latter, paired with FOX along with NBC/CBS aspirations associated with radically loosening ESPN's grip on high-level college football -- the opportunity we present to potentially give them a strong upper-hand has provided all parties the `juice' needed to wage the back-room legal efforts needed to challenge and usurp the GOR. There will be a sizable settlement that, long term, may be a drop in the financial budget when compared to the `NFL 2.0' that is being created.
I expect that we hear news on this front very soon.
Clemson is the crown jewel of this transaction for the B1G, clearly. We may be the hottest school in the country from an applicant standpoint, and our academic standing is in the midst of skyrocketing. A look around campus and you'll notice the investment that is being put forth into areas of academic experience and research that feels quite new for those who have been around Clemson for a long time. But, our future aspirations as an institution are looking a whole lot more like Michigan and Wisconsin (and UNC) than Auburn, Ole Miss and South Carolina. And we obviously pull national and regional TV viewership numbers that are materially important to the B1G network partners. Very material.
The scale and scope of the moves being made signal a true up-level for Clemson. The SEC would have been an economic boon for the athletic department, but the B1G provides the same plus a radical up-level for the University overall. In 20/20 hindsight, it will all just make sense.
Lastly, I expect after the 15 years or so that may be less tumultuous from a conference alignment standpoint, there will eventually be an SEC-B1G merger of sorts that replicates the AFL-NFL and the 50ish team top tier of college football that has been talked about for decades will finally be the reality.
Soapbox will now be put away. We will be a much richer school very soon.... but we still need someone to block and someone who can kick.
I expect that we hear news on this front very soon.
Clemson is the crown jewel of this transaction for the B1G, clearly. We may be the hottest school in the country from an applicant standpoint, and our academic standing is in the midst of skyrocketing. A look around campus and you'll notice the investment that is being put forth into areas of academic experience and research that feels quite new for those who have been around Clemson for a long time. But, our future aspirations as an institution are looking a whole lot more like Michigan and Wisconsin (and UNC) than Auburn, Ole Miss and South Carolina. And we obviously pull national and regional TV viewership numbers that are materially important to the B1G network partners. Very material.
The scale and scope of the moves being made signal a true up-level for Clemson. The SEC would have been an economic boon for the athletic department, but the B1G provides the same plus a radical up-level for the University overall. In 20/20 hindsight, it will all just make sense.
Lastly, I expect after the 15 years or so that may be less tumultuous from a conference alignment standpoint, there will eventually be an SEC-B1G merger of sorts that replicates the AFL-NFL and the 50ish team top tier of college football that has been talked about for decades will finally be the reality.
Soapbox will now be put away. We will be a much richer school very soon.... but we still need someone to block and someone who can kick.
