One of the more fascinating angles of the Florida State/Big 12 story was the sudden vocal dissatisfaction expressed by FSU board chairman Andy Haggard with the ACC and its recently-negotiated television deal. Based on our comments section, a sizable chunk of Seminole fans felt similarly.
That frustration is understandable to an extent. The ACC hasn’t won a BCS championship since the ‘Noles in 1999 (over eventual ACC member Virginia Tech, of all teams) and the league has posted a dreadful BCS bowl record since its expansion last decade.
Even commissioner John Swofford admits the ACC has underachieved.
On the second day of the ACC spring meetings, though, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney predicted -- sort of -- a change in fortune.
“At some point (the ACC) will produce a national champion” Swinney said.
Not exactly a “mark it down” comment, but for the sake of the league, “at some point” needs to be sooner rather than later. Heck, the ACC doesn’t even need to win a BCS championship as much as it does compete for one. In fact, let’s take baby steps: win a couple BCS games first.
The league needs more from Florida State and Miami, hands down; Virginia Tech can only carry the torch so far. When the on-field product improves for the ACC, so will the payout (the contract has a five-year look-in). Maybe not to the likes of the SEC or the Big Ten, but enough to temper the bickering over “what’s best for Florida State.”