Would Clemson (and Florida State) fit in the SEC?
Conference realignment is obviously the largest talking point in college football. Every school not in the SEC or Big Ten is seemingly up for grabs. Now, however, blood is in the water and the cream of the ACC crop, schools like Clemson and Florida State, are garnering some heavy rumors that could have them landing elsewhere sooner than some think.
Paul Finebaum, the host of his renowned self-titled radio show for ESPN, went on First Take this week and spoke with Stephen A. Smith about his thoughts on where both schools could, or maybe should, go. “I believe Clemson does want out of the ACC,” Finebaum said. “It has become problematic for Dabo Swinney and Florida State and Miami and others to compete against the SEC. I know some people are saying, ‘Well you’re the SEC mouthpiece.’ I’m not saying it. The ACC coaches are saying that to people.”
Paul Finebaum (ESPN)
Despite Clemson's success in the past decade, dominating their conference which buoys them into playoff contention every year, there's a growing sentiment that they may not have the market size and equity to join and eventually, these top ACC schools will be left behind for the top money and recruits. Fainebaum continued, “They may win some battles, but they’re losing most of the battles against the Nick Sabans and the Kirby Smarts. And now you have Ohio State and Michigan and Southern Cal. So they need to do something.”
If there is a move to be made the question then becomes where and how well would the Tigers fit? The radio host had an answer for that as well, “If you look at Clemson and Florida State, there are no two better fits in the world to the SEC than those two. I mean they’ve won national championships in the last 10 years. They recruit at the highest level. They have good coaches. They have phenomenal traditions. And they’re both in states with SEC schools.”
Sounds like a perfect match? With Texas and Oklahoma joining next season the SEC will continue to look to be the marquee name in college football. It's possible that could mean adding next-door neighbors to do so. The biggest question now is whether the writing is already on the wall for the ACC or whether there are still options to maintain a seat at the highest tables. There are obviously hurdles for any school to leave the conference, but they'll certainly be trying.
