Leave the SEC?

[08Tiger]

I'm a Clemson grad and fan. Question for all...

Would you as Gamecock fans ever be in support of leaving the SEC for a conference that wouldn't present as tough of a schedule? From a fan's perspective, would you enjoy being in an easier conference where you could compete for conference championships yearly but the school received many millions less yearly?

I ask because as a Clemson fan, I'm asking myself the same thing as rumors swirl about the FSU/Clemson/ACC lawsuits and what may happen as a result. Purely from the perspective of a football fan, I like seeing my team win a lot and I don't really care about the money, as long as winning continues.. if it is possible to do so.

Just a question for fun... obviously we as fans all have zero or next to zero control over these types of decisions. Thanks!

 

[18IsTheMan]

Not really. There is some relevance that comes simply from being in the SEC. We would be mostly mediocre no matter what conference are in. Mediocre in the SEC > mediocre in some lesser conference.

 

[08Tiger]

Not really. There is some relevance that comes simply from being in the SEC. We would be mostly mediocre no matter what conference are in. Mediocre in the SEC > mediocre in some lesser conference.

Maybe that is true, but what if it isn't? What if South Carolina could go to the Big 12 and compete for conference championships? Or if that's not realistic, what if they could go to a mid-major conference like the Sunbelt and have 10 or 11 wins every year, win a conference championship most years, have a hope for a shot at a top 12 final ranking..

Would you as fans want that? Or would you rather tough it out in the SEC, bring in more money, and hope for a magical season where it all comes together?

 

[92Pony]

Maybe that is true, but what if it isn't? What if South Carolina could go to the Big 12 and compete for conference championships? Or if that's not realistic, what if they could go to a mid-major conference like the Sunbelt and have 10 or 11 wins every year, win a conference championship most years, have a hope for a shot at a top 12 final ranking..

Would you as fans want that? Or would you rather tough it out in the SEC, bring in more money, and hope for a magical season where it all comes together?

It's a tough call. The winning more part would be very nice. But I feel like other fans would always rib/remind us that we couldn't cut it in a tough conference, so we 'ran' to a weaker conference so we would actually win more. That would be a permanent asterisk and something, the end of which, would never be heard.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Maybe that is true, but what if it isn't? What if South Carolina could go to the Big 12 and compete for conference championships? Or if that's not realistic, what if they could go to a mid-major conference like the Sunbelt and have 10 or 11 wins every year, win a conference championship most years, have a hope for a shot at a top 12 final ranking..

Would you as fans want that? Or would you rather tough it out in the SEC, bring in more money, and hope for a magical season where it all comes together?

Whatever recruiting clout we have would be greatly diminished, or lost altogether, by competing in a conference like the Sunbelt I doubt very seriously we would be a 10 win team there recruiting as a Sunbelt team. If we could take our SEC roster and compete in the Sunbelt, then maybe.

Sad reality is that most year, our biggest recruiting chip to recruits is "come here for playing time in the SEC". We would have nothing to offer recruits if we competed in the Sunbelt.

 

[muscleknight]

If Clemson goes to the B1G or SEC their path to the playoffs gets a lot harder. Why not stay in the ACC for less money and make the playoffs say every 3 out of 4 years? For us we are already in the SEC and it would be stupid to leave.

 

[18IsTheMan]

If Clemson goes to the B1G or SEC their path to the playoffs gets a lot harder. Why not stay in the ACC for less money and make the playoffs say every 3 out of 4 years? For us we are already in the SEC and it would be stupid to leave.

On the one hand, I get the "stupid to leave" arguments. On the other hand:

Year 1 in the SEC: 3-5
Year 32 in the SEC: 3-5

That SEC money and prestige hasn't change a whole lot. The upside of being in the SEC is that we are getting paid very handsomely for mediocrity.

Yes, yes, I know about baseball and WBB, but the question is in the context of football and the other sports only get to exist because of football.

 

[USCBatgirl21]

No. Leaving the SEC would absolutely DESTROY our baseball program, not to mention WBB.

 

[KingWard]

No. Just no. We are condemned eternally to misfit status, but with good wages and benefits. We'll matter where we can matter without ever mattering where it matters most.

 

[18IsTheMan]

No. Just no. We are condemned eternally to misfit status, but with good wages and benefits. We'll matter where we can matter without ever mattering where it matters most.

This is the crux of it. We get paid handsomely for mediocrity or worse at football, which is the only sport that really matters in the big picture, but that allows the less relevant and non-revenue-generating sports to enjoy some success.

 

[adcoop]

It's proven that with the right coach and right system that we can compete in the SEC. We just couldn't win that 1 game that could get us over the hump. We just have been either unlucky or choosing the wrong profiles in choosing a coach. We tend to go retread coach that had big success, but is on the back end of their career. We have bucked that trend lately, but just haven't hit yet. We have only tried it a couple of times. If Lane Kiffin can get it done at Ole Miss, we can find a coach to get it done here. So, I choose the money and to keep grinding until hit on a coaching hire. Without the right coach or system, you won't win in the ACC, Sun Belt, or any other conference.

 

[KingWard]

It's proven that with the right coach and right system that we can compete in the SEC.

Actually, it is not proven. Our only divisional championship was one of only two achieved by teams with three conference losses, and that team still holds the record for the worst margin of defeat in the history of the SECCG. So, no.

 

[Blues man]

As someone who coached most of my life, I never found it gratifying to join tournaments or participate under certain sanctioning bodies just because the competition was less challenging. If anything, it left me feeling like I shorted myself and my team if not a waste of my time and their's. That said, it's one thing not to have an opportunity to play with the big dogs but it's quite another to have the opportunity but choose not to. If you favor the latter, you imo are in the wrong business. The day we leave the SEC is the day I am done with USC sports.

 

[08Tiger]

If Clemson goes to the B1G or SEC their path to the playoffs gets a lot harder. Why not stay in the ACC for less money and make the playoffs say every 3 out of 4 years? For us we are already in the SEC and it would be stupid to leave.

Yeah I agree with this. I'd rather we stay in the ACC. People can bash a weaker schedule all they want, but we've had some really really fun winning seasons and championships in the past decade and I don't want to make it harder to do it again. Those seasons were the most fun I've ever had watching sports.... don't mess it up over money

 

[08Tiger]

As someone who coached most of my life, I never found it gratifying to join tournaments or participate under certain sanctioning bodies just because the competition was less challenging. If anything, it left me feeling like I shorted myself and my team if not a waste of my time and their's. That said, it's one thing not to have an opportunity to play with the big dogs but it's quite another to have the opportunity but choose not to. If you favor the latter, you imo are in the wrong business. The day we leave the SEC is the day I am done with USC sports.

Valid point... but with an expanded playoff, you still have the potential opportunity to prove yourself against the 'big dogs.'

 

[Blues man]

Valid point... but with an expanded playoff, you still have the potential opportunity to prove yourself against the 'big dogs.'

True, but I think we will find the big dogs are going to get more opportunities.
No one gets a lock on their conference forever and it is quite possible the room for error will be much smaller outside of what is thought to be a very strong conference... like you better win your conference. Double edge sword if you ask me as far as being in what is considered a weaker conference if your main goal is making the playoffs. Should be an easier path... for one team anyway, not so easy for a second team. Possibly.
If nothing else, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

 

[08Tiger]

True, but I think we will find the big dogs are going to get more opportunities.
No one gets a lock on their conference forever and it is quite possible the room for error will be much smaller outside of what is thought to be a very strong conference... like you better win your conference. Double edge sword if you ask me as far as being in what is considered a weaker conference if your main goal is making the playoffs. Should be an easier path... for one team anyway, not so easy for a second team. Possibly.
If nothing else, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Yeah, you're probably right.

I am definitely interested to see how the 9-12 seeds do against the higher seeds. I can't decide if I think we are going to see a bunch of first round blowouts or if we are going to be shocked by the "underdogs" ability to be competitive. It'll be fun!

 

[Blues man]

Yeah, you're probably right.

I am definitely interested to see how the 9-12 seeds do against the higher seeds. I can't decide if I think we are going to see a bunch of first round blowouts or if we are going to be shocked by the "underdogs" ability to be competitive. It'll be fun!

I do have a tendency to pull for underdogs. Agreed, it should be fun... a whole new level of it.

 

[Pepsicock]

clemmy and FSU can't leave until 2035 . Enjoy the misery

 

[KingWard]

clemmy and FSU can't leave until 2035 .

Could be; could be not.

 

[gamecock stock]

It's proven that with the right coach and right system that we can compete in the SEC. We just couldn't win that 1 game that could get us over the hump. We just have been either unlucky or choosing the wrong profiles in choosing a coach. We tend to go retread coach that had big success, but is on the back end of their career. We have bucked that trend lately, but just haven't hit yet. We have only tried it a couple of times. If Lane Kiffin can get it done at Ole Miss, we can find a coach to get it done here. So, I choose the money and to keep grinding until hit on a coaching hire. Without the right coach or system, you won't win in the ACC, Sun Belt, or any other conference.

You are spot on. My expectation for USC is not to win the SEC, much less the national championship. Just be a Top 20 team, year in and year out. With, as you say, the "right coach" that is doable and definitely has been "proven" to be possible to attain. And to me, that would be good enough and satisfying.

Some Carolina fans have unrealistic expectations.. We are not an annual recruiting powerhouse, never have been and never will be. Until some Carolina fans come to that realization and lower their expectations, they will be unhappy.

Regarding leaving the SEC, I would point to Clemson. The bigwigs there badly want out of the ACC and prefer the SEC. Why? Money. The world is ruled by money. Greed. Everybody is greedy. We all want more money. And then more. And then more again. Why would leaders of universities be any different? That is the real world we live in.

 

[Tngamecock]

I'm a Clemson grad and fan. Question for all...

Would you as Gamecock fans ever be in support of leaving the SEC for a conference that wouldn't present as tough of a schedule? From a fan's perspective, would you enjoy being in an easier conference where you could compete for conference championships yearly but the school received many millions less yearly?

I ask because as a Clemson fan, I'm asking myself the same thing as rumors swirl about the FSU/Clemson/ACC lawsuits and what may happen as a result. Purely from the perspective of a football fan, I like seeing my team win a lot and I don't really care about the money, as long as winning continues.. if it is possible to do so.

Just a question for fun... obviously we as fans all have zero or next to zero control over these types of decisions. Thanks!

Good question…..asked myself this for many years. While it would be nice to make the playoffs and have a shot at a title, if not sure I could take a schedule where you literally can’t get jacked for a home game. If you weren’t winning and could make the playoffs, say 8 wins a year, do you really want to have BC, Syracuse, UVA, GaTech, Wake, VaTech, Pitt, etc on your home schedule.

Even losing, rather get up for a Bama, UGA, etc. Clemson’s biggest game this year is an SEC team. It’s a hard question though.

 

[Ansonicus]

This is the crux of it. We get paid handsomely for mediocrity or worse at football, which is the only sport that really matters in the big picture, but that allows the less relevant and non-revenue-generating sports to enjoy some success.

What is worse than getting paid handsomely for mediocrity? Not getting paid handsomely for mediocrity!

 

[KingWard]

clemmy and FSU can't leave until 2035 . Enjoy the misery

I don't believe this any more than the other stuff put out there daily, but I do believe it ain't gonna be 2035, either.

FSU and Clemson predicted to take SEC invite after not hearing from Big Ten

FSU and Clemson were predicted by longtime college football radio host Greg Swaim to join the SEC on July 12 after failing to receive an invite from the Big Ten

flywareagle.com

 

[Blues man]

I don't believe this any more than the other stuff put out there daily, but I do believe it ain't gonna be 2035, either.

FSU and Clemson predicted to take SEC invite after not hearing from Big Ten

FSU and Clemson were predicted by longtime college football radio host Greg Swaim to join the SEC on July 12 after failing to receive an invite from the Big Ten

flywareagle.com

Interesting article. I dont think I could be more in favor of adding schools from NC and Va. Good to see something that makes total sense.

 

[gamecock stock]

Interesting article. I dont think I could be more in favor of adding schools from NC and Va. Good to see something that makes total sense.

It's only a matter of time. Clemson's easy path to the playoffs will then end.

 

[Gamecock Jacque]

I'm a Clemson grad and fan. Question for all...

Would you as Gamecock fans ever be in support of leaving the SEC for a conference that wouldn't present as tough of a schedule? From a fan's perspective, would you enjoy being in an easier conference where you could compete for conference championships yearly but the school received many millions less yearly?

I ask because as a Clemson fan, I'm asking myself the same thing as rumors swirl about the FSU/Clemson/ACC lawsuits and what may happen as a result. Purely from the perspective of a football fan, I like seeing my team win a lot and I don't really care about the money, as long as winning continues.. if it is possible to do so.

Just a question for fun... obviously we as fans all have zero or next to zero control over these types of decisions. Thanks!

I wouldn't get excited playing basketball schools in football.

 

[CWW]

I'm a Clemson grad and fan. Question for all...

Would you as Gamecock fans ever be in support of leaving the SEC for a conference that wouldn't present as tough of a schedule? From a fan's perspective, would you enjoy being in an easier conference where you could compete for conference championships yearly but the school received many millions less yearly?

I ask because as a Clemson fan, I'm asking myself the same thing as rumors swirl about the FSU/Clemson/ACC lawsuits and what may happen as a result. Purely from the perspective of a football fan, I like seeing my team win a lot and I don't really care about the money, as long as winning continues.. if it is possible to do so.

Just a question for fun... obviously we as fans all have zero or next to zero control over these types of decisions. Thanks!

And you joined this site to ask that question? Did you ask your Clemson fans? And this day in time…you have to have money! And CU has always had it…honestly or under the table.

 

[Gamecock Jacque]

And you joined this site to ask that question? Did you ask your Clemson fans? And this day in time…you have to have money! And CU has always had it…honestly or under the table.

He knows who he is.

 

[mickray]

A good question is still a good question. Relax and enjoy every sandwich.....

 

[Gamecock Jacque]

A good question is still a good question. Relax and enjoy every sandwich.....

I thought I gave a good answer.

 

[Evilchicken]

Being in the SEC isn’t all about football. We’ve won championships in the SEC in very competitive sports, so no, leaving the SEC doesn’t make sense given the money and other sports success.

 

[atl-cock]

On the one hand, I get the "stupid to leave" arguments. On the other hand:

Year 1 in the SEC: 3-5
Year 32 in the SEC: 3-5

That SEC money and prestige hasn't change a whole lot. The upside of being in the SEC is that we are getting paid very handsomely for mediocrity.

Yes, yes, I know about baseball and WBB, but the question is in the context of football and the other sports only get to exist because of football.

You know that's not true. Plenty of schools don't sponsor football, but do sponsor hoops, yard, etc.

 

[atl-cock]

No. Just no. We are condemned eternally to misfit status, but with good wages and benefits. We'll matter where we can matter without ever mattering where it matters most.

Like Vandy.

I wonder if Georgia Tech and Tulane silently regret leaving the SEC.

Still miss our old 8-member ACC.

 

[adcoop]

Actually, it is not proven. Our only divisional championship was one of only two achieved by teams with three conference losses, and that team still holds the record for the worst margin of defeat in the history of the SECCG. So, no.

....and we followed that season with 3 consecutive 6-2 conference seasons where you win the division if you don't crap the bed against a mediocre Auburn team at home and a bad Tennessee team 2 years later. Those were our years and we blew it. Not seizing your moment is not the same as I can't do it.

 

[Spurman54]

I'm a Clemson grad and fan. Question for all...

Would you as Gamecock fans ever be in support of leaving the SEC for a conference that wouldn't present as tough of a schedule? From a fan's perspective, would you enjoy being in an easier conference where you could compete for conference championships yearly but the school received many millions less yearly?

I ask because as a Clemson fan, I'm asking myself the same thing as rumors swirl about the FSU/Clemson/ACC lawsuits and what may happen as a result. Purely from the perspective of a football fan, I like seeing my team win a lot and I don't really care about the money, as long as winning continues.. if it is possible to do so.

Just a question for fun... obviously we as fans all have zero or next to zero control over these types of decisions. Thanks!

H NO!!

 

[Forkcock]

Nope.

 

[Harvard Gamecock]

Could be; could be not.

If you are a smart betting person, put your money on the could be not, then parlay a 2 year window.

 

[StrokeMyEgo]

I would be okay with it if it meant winning more. I don't give two craps about being in the SEC and I always root against them. I pull for South Carolina...not the SEC.

 

[KingWard]

I would be okay with it if it meant winning more. I don't give two craps about being in the SEC and I always root against them. I pull for South Carolina...not the SEC.

On the athletic front, you have set yourself up for a life of immense frustration.