Penn State in the ACC

[PhiPsiRuss]

Imagine Penn State leaving the Big 10 for the ACC. This is just a thought, but I believe that it could happen in the next 10-15 years. My idea goes like this.

Penn State has yet to have a neat fit in the Big 10, so the motivation of money can come into play. Imagine the ACC, with its 12 members, getting ready to expand to 14. With dollar signs dancing in the heads of ACC officials, the thought of the New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh TV markets, all in the ACC corner, is just too irresistible.

So the ACC makes its move. They go after Syracuse, to grab the New York TV market, as well as the smaller TV markets in upstate New York. That brings the ACC to 13 teams. Not only is 13 an unlucky number, but its an odd number. The ACC needs at least one more team. They court Penn State. If successful, this gives the ACC the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets, as well as smaller markets in the Pennsylvania. Also, it gets them New Jersey because there is no New Jersey TV market; it is split between New York and Philadelphia.

The enhancement in TV revenues is huge. Big enough to offer Penn State the money that they will have to pay the Big 10 for leaving. Also big enough to waive the entrance fee into the ACC. And big enough to offer Penn State 1/14th of ACC TV revenues, which is greater than 1/11th of Big 10 revenues.

Another attraction to Penn State is that the ACC makes more sense. Penn State alumni are more likely to be on the Atlantic Coast than in the Mid West. There will be less traveling to away games.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am an alumnus of FSU, which is in the ACC. I would like to see this happen because it would benefit my alma mater's athletic conference. My opinions on this subject are heavily biased, and I make no appoligies for that.