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ACC won't dissolve if FSU and Clemson leave, UConn, Memphis, Tulane, USF, tabbed as potential replacements

By Andrew Hughes

The ACC has a backup plan if lawsuits result in its top two teams leaving
The ACC has a backup plan if lawsuits result in its top two teams leaving / James Gilbert/GettyImages
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FSU and Clemson leaving the ACC won't be the end of the conference. In fact, as media consultant Jim Williams tells me, UConn, Memphis, Tulane, and USF are two potential options to replace the Noles and Tigers if lawsuits cause a split between the conference and its two most successful teams in recent history.

"I'm not convinced that the ACC will dissolve even if FSU and Clemson depart," Williams told me. "There are numerous schools beyond FSU and Clemson that could fill the void. UConn, for instance, could join and align well with former Big East members like Syracuse, Boston College, Pitt, and Miami, adding another prestigious basketball program. Memphis is another strong basketball contender with a football program, and Tulane and USF are also potential additions to the conference."

Williams had previously pitched Oregon State and Wazzu as potential ACC options as well back in March, but that's off the table with the Beavs and Cougs reforming the Pac-12.

UConn, Memphis, Tulane, and USF remain connected to the ACC. Memphis, Tulane, and USF reportedly received invites from the Pac-12.

Clemson and FSU could remain in ACC in a similar arrangement to Texas and Oklahoma's with Big 12

As Williams relayed, FSU and Clemson could be trying to use the idea of leaving for the Big Ten or the SEC for leverage -- and may be eyeing a similar arrangement to what the Big 12 offered Texas and Oklahoma to keep them out of the Pac-12 in 2011.

"One thing is certain about FSU and Clemson: nothing is certain," Williams prefaced before saying, "In the world of conference realignment, statements are often interpreted in various ways. The potential move of FSU or Clemson to the Big Ten is not guaranteed—they might be devising an exit strategy in hopes of joining the Big Ten or the SEC. However, it's also quite possible they may secure a deal that will retain them in the ACC, similar to the arrangement the Big 12 provided to Texas and Oklahoma to prevent them from moving to the Pac-12."

FSU and Clemson ending up with more money than their ACC counterparts they feel are worth less than them would be a win. Even if the true plan was to end up in the Big Ten or SEC.

Unfortunately, the B1G and "It Just Means More" conference didn't hold the same interest.

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