Virginia Tech-Really??

**GC-1** · August 25th, 2011, 05:11 PM

Yeah, being a VT fan we do have a very weak OOC schedule. Don't know why they came up with that one. I would love to see VT be the 14th SEC team as it sure looks as though A&M is all but SEC bound.

I know we would be an 8-4 team at best most years with an occasional bump up or down. That said, I also think we would see a huge bump in recruiting especially in the NC, DC, and MD areas where kids want to play in the SEC and could still be close for their families to drive to see them play the like of UT, UF, USC, UGA etc. As much as I love the Hokies, SEC football is where it's at. I won't let my O&M glasses cloud that fact. And I would absolutely LOVE to go to Lane on a Saturday night to watch one of the SEC Big Dogs come to town.

And if VT were to get that opportunity they would be crazy to turn it down. Not only for the revenue the SEC would bring, but the economic boost that traveling SEC fans would bring to SWVA. We all know that most SEC teams travel very well, and I would venture to guess that all except for maybe Vandy would bring better than Duke, Wake, Miami, etc.

**UnIoNfAn** · August 25th, 2011, 05:25 PM

VT and UT could play in the hokie/smokie bowl every year! id pay to go to that one every year

**Biggin** · August 25th, 2011, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by GC-1

Yeah, being a VT fan we do have a very weak OOC schedule. Don't know why they came up with that one. I would love to see VT be the 14th SEC team as it sure looks as though A&M is all but SEC bound.

I know we would be an 8-4 team at best most years with an occasional bump up or down. That said, I also think we would see a huge bump in recruiting especially in the NC, DC, and MD areas where kids want to play in the SEC and could still be close for their families to drive to see them play the like of UT, UF, USC, UGA etc. As much as I love the Hokies, SEC football is where it's at. I won't let my O&M glasses cloud that fact. And I would absolutely LOVE to go to Lane on a Saturday night to watch one of the SEC Big Dogs come to town.

And if VT were to get that opportunity they would be crazy to turn it down. Not only for the revenue the SEC would bring, but the economic boost that traveling SEC fans would bring to SWVA. We all know that most SEC teams travel very well, and I would venture to guess that all except for maybe Vandy would bring better than Duke, Wake, Miami, etc.

but for some reason, the VT higher ups are totally against a move to the SEC. I cant figure it out either. The revenue, recruiting boost, better TV deal, more prestigious conference for football etc..not to mention better baseball. the ACC is by far the better basketball school, but the other two major sports belong to the SEC.

Some say its about academics, but its not like VT is Stanford.

**GC-1** · August 25th, 2011, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by Biggin

but for some reason, the VT higher ups are totally against a move to the SEC. I cant figure it out either. The revenue, recruiting boost, better TV deal, more prestigious conference for football etc..not to mention better baseball. the ACC is by far the better basketball school, but the other two major sports belong to the SEC.

Some say its about academics, but its not like VT is Stanford.

Well, also remember that VT had no interest in moving to the ACC according to statements before they left. What is said in public isn't what may be going on behind closed doors. The VT Rivals guru just posted that through his sources he has found out VT is #14 for the SEC. The ball is in VT's court and IMO they better run to the SEC like their arses are on fire. The ACC is getting ready to be raided. Hearing B10 and UMD are talking.

**Biggin** · August 25th, 2011, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by GC-1

Well, also remember that VT had no interest in moving to the ACC according to statements before they left. What is said in public isn't what may be going on behind closed doors. The VT Rivals guru just posted that through his sources he has found out VT is #14 for the SEC. The ball is in VT's court and IMO they better run to the SEC like their arses are on fire. The ACC is getting ready to be raided. Hearing B10 and UMD are talking.

Im in favor of VT for SEC expansion as well. I like adding A&M and VT as my top combo if expansion happens. I wouldnt hate FSU or Clemson + A&M, but I think VT brings more to the table.

Its a good situation for both sides honestly, if VT doesnt wanna take the offer many other schools will jump on it. Clemson I know is dying for the offer, they feel out of place in the ACC and would love to move to a more football-centric location.

I also have to admit that I dont feel VT is getting crushed in the SEC. Itll take 2-4 years, but VT could be a MAJOR football factor overall IMO. If they fully lock down the Tidewater and are able to expand to the West more, they can get serious talent. the SEC gives them inroads in TN, GA, NC/SC, etc.. and a bigger overall profile.

but, there is a conundrum, does VT wanna be the big fish in a small pond or the medium fish in a big pond? VT can stay in the ACC and likely dominate. FSU is on the rebound and could really make their way back to the top of the national circuit, but VT is a consistent 10-win ACC team.

its feast-famine in the SEC IMO, they can either become an elite team on a regular basis (maybe with a regime change? I hate to mention this but it has to be discussed) or they will be relegated to the middle of the pack

**GC-1** · August 25th, 2011, 07:17 PM

I agree with your 2-4 year statement. I think the SEC would give VT the boost they need in recruiting to compete on a high level but also feel it would take 2-4 years to build. In the meantime I think they could still do quite well and maybe surprise a couple of teams. And as far as a regime change, I can see a big change in VT's recruiting tactics and overall philosophy joust since Shane has been onboard. And Frank won't be around much longer I don't think I could be wrong though. 3-5 years IMO.

I personally would like to swin in the SEC pond. The money, bowl tie in's etc. The ACC sux in tie ins. You could be the 4-5th SEC team and still get a very good bowl.

**1inStripes** · August 25th, 2011, 08:14 PM

Take 2 years ago for instance. The Peach Bowl is considered a big game for the ACC, yet its the 6th or 7th best bowl for the SEC which got UTG/VT paired up because of it. I would welcome Tech to the SEC also. I think they have the best chance of being approved with the apparent block being put up by UGA, UF and USC if FSU, GT or Clemson. Without them, VT is the only real option east of the SEC right now.

**UTVols2** · August 25th, 2011, 10:56 PM

Excellent thread..... I would welcome VT into the East, would be a huge boost to our side of the conference. You could then add A&M to the West. I agree on the VT going 8-4 on most seasons that they have went 10-2 or 11-1 in the ACC. Going through a full season in the SEC is brutal and on any given month you could face 4 Top 10 teams in a row.

One thing VT would lose is those Thursday night games, if you join the SEC I don't see them playing in those unless it's against an OOC opponent. How many SEC teams have played on Thursday night? For some reason SC is the only team I recall playing on a Thursday but I'm sure I may be off on that.

My idea foursome to join the SEC would be

VT - East
Clemson - East

Texas A&M - West
Florida State - West

**1inStripes** · August 25th, 2011, 11:13 PM

Originally Posted by UTVols2

Excellent thread..... I would welcome VT into the East, would be a huge boost to our side of the conference. You could then add A&M to the West. I agree on the VT going 8-4 on most seasons that they have went 10-2 or 11-1 in the ACC. Going through a full season in the SEC is brutal and on any given month you could face 4 Top 10 teams in a row.

One thing VT would lose is those Thursday night games, if you join the SEC I don't see them playing in those unless it's against an OOC opponent. How many SEC teams have played on Thursday night? For some reason SC is the only team I recall playing on a Thursday but I'm sure I may be off on that.

My idea foursome to join the SEC would be

VT - East
Clemson - East

Texas A&M - West
Florida State - West

I believe Auburn has played a couple of Thursday night games. Maybe their Clemson game last year was.

**VOL61** · August 25th, 2011, 11:21 PM

I would love for Tech to join the SEC. I also think Tech would be the next choice after A&M. I don't think USC is crazy about bringing Clemson in and I don't think Florida wants FSU. To me Tech is the most logical choice just looking at it from an SEC standpoint. They do have some national appeal. I don't think it is the same as FSU but I do think it is just as good as Clemson. I think the reports of Clemson and FSU were leaked to throw off who the SEC is really after. I am sure Slive already knows who is coming and who isn't. I think Slive has always wanted Tech. I think the choice will be Tech's in the end.

But..... there are problems as well. I just don't see Tech coming. I know money is what it will come down to in the end. That is the only thing that gives me hope. I know alot of people on here are saying that they want it to happen. But honestly I don't believe Tech wants any part of the SEC. I don't think the people that will decide want any part of the SEC. I don't think the majority of the fans want any part of the SEC and I am not bashing them for that. It is their choice. I wouldn't really understand it. I think the higher ups at Tech see themselves as something they aren't. I think Tech is a barn school playing with the rich kids. To me they fit in the SEC alot better than the ACC. JMO....

Also I am not sure Tech gets as much from the SEC as alot of you think. Could it explode? I don't know. Maybe. But it would take time. Could tech handle a couple losing seasons? I am not saying that would happen but it easily could. Would that be better for Tech? I don't know. Every program has it ups and downs in the SEC. All the good ones. Bama, Fl, UT, LSU all of them. Tech hasn't really been through that. They have had alot of success the last 10 or 15 years. But they haven't been in the SEC..... It is a different world. How much would they have had in that same time frame in this conference? Maybe alot maybe not......

I hope Tech comes. I want to play Tech every year...... Other than Bama. It would be the game for me. I really don't think it is going to happen. But I hope it does...... I pray it does.....