FSU to the BIG 12?

[cygnus34]

FSU coach Jimbo Fisher says FSU should explore leaving ACC for Big 12

Mike Bianchi, SPORTS COMMENTARY

Florida State Athletic Director Randy Spetman told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday that his school is "committed" to staying in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Spetman may be the only one who thinks that way.

Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher, before he spoke at the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando on Saturday, didn't exactly shoot down rumblings that FSU will explore the possibility of leaving the ACC for the Big 12.

"There have been no official talks, but I think you always have to look out there to see what's best for Florida State," Fisher said. "If that [jumping to the Big 12] is what's best for Florida State, then that's what we need to do."

Andy Haggart, chairman of Florida State's board of trustees, vigorously agreed. In an interview with Warchant.com, a popular website that covers FSU athletics, Haggart said the Seminoles should pursue talks with the Big 12: "On behalf of the board of trustees, I can say that unanimously we would be in favor of seeing what the Big 12 might have to offer. We have to do what is in Florida State's best interest."

If we've learned anything in recent years about institutions of higher earning switching conferences, it is this: Without fail, they all say they are steadfastly committed to their current league only until another league offers them more money.

And right now FSU could sure use some more money. Spetman announced a $2.4 million budget shortfall in the athletic department last week that sent shock waves through Seminole Nation. In college football's arms race, Seminole fans envision the Gators and other SEC schools purchasing F-22 Raptor fighter jets while they are still going to battle with tomahawks and bows and arrows.

More than ever, Florida State fans feel they are a football school hopelessly trapped in a basketball league. The most recent bout of Seminole discontent came last year when the ACC expanded to add Pitt and Syracuse — two basketball schools who haven't been relevant in football for years. And then came the news earlier this week that the ACC had extended its TV deal with ESPN for an additional 15 years and $3.6 billion.

A growing faction of FSU boosters and power brokers believe the Seminoles can make significantly more money in the Big 12. And when you're surrounded by and recruit against big-budget SEC schools such as Florida, Alabama, Auburn and Georgia, you'd better bring some cash or you'll get spent into oblivion.

Think about it: Even though the ACC's new deal will bring FSU up to about $17 million annually in TV revenue, that's still $3 million less than the Big 12. Not only that, but some estimate the recently expanded SEC's new deal could earn each conference school as much as $25 million per year. Translation: Over the span of the ACC's 16-year contract, FSU will earn $128 million less than the Gators.

"FSU is looking at schools like Arkansas and Mississippi State having more resources, better facilities and the ability to hire the best coaches," said Gene Williams, owner and editor of Warchant.com

Which is why Seminole fans are rightfully worried. And why FSU's administration should be doing everything in its power to not only keep up with the Gators but to keep up with Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.

"The other major school in the state is Kansas State, who was 10-2. I only have one question to ask: Why? Why is the University of Kansas 2-10, and why is Kansas State 10-2?" Charlie Weis

[charsibb]

There's already a thread for this. somebody delete this please.

[Apis Bull]

This is the only one that's where it's supposed to be.

[Triple B]

This would be the place for non-USF fans to discuss this if it strikes them .... Cygnus knows what he's doing.

[charsibb]

Oh, ok.

[GaUSFBull]

This would be the place for non-USF fans to discuss this if it strikes them .... Cygnus knows what he's doing.

Even if he is a day late and a dollar short - every freakin' time.

[Triple B]

This would be the place for non-USF fans to discuss this if it strikes them .... Cygnus knows what he's doing.

Even if he is a day late and a dollar short - every freakin' time.

LOL .... not every time .... but a lot.