I've already written that it would be nice if the expansion didn't exist, and the ACC could go forward with who they have. I could even live with the ACC staying in tact then adding a couple of teams. Expansion though is being discussed by every major conference in America.
Regardless if the ACC loses some teams or gains some, it should be asked which schools should be reasonably considered, teams that would be a good match for ACC academically, athletically, geographically as well as economically.
ACC\SEC Blog wrote the piece "10 Teams the ACC Should Consider Adding in Expansion". He gives reasons for each teams inclusion. The colleges range from Syracuse and Rutgers to Navy. I recommend taking a look.
If I had my choice here would be my top 5 schools that the ACC should consider.
1) Syracuse
I never thought the ACC did the wrong thing by getting Boston College to join the conference. It was attempt to make inroads in the Northeast market. BC was a good fit academically and athletically, but they are so isolated up north.
The Orangeman would make a nice neighbor to BC. Syracuse also has a tradition rich basketball program. They've been good in years past in football, and they would bring the ever important New York market.
2) Louisville
Louisville would fit right in with their strong basketball program. The football team played in the BCS a few years back.
They also have stronger fan support that you would think.
Have you ever seen a Cardinal basketball team in a pre-season tournament in Maui or Puerto Rico? It's full of Louisville fans. Close proximity to the rest of the ACC. Rick Pitino matching wits with Roy Williams and Mike Kyzyzewski would be gain a lot of TV interest.
3) South Florida
South Florida wouldn't pay dividends now, but they would in the future. South Florida is a budding power in athletics. Don't worry it wouldn't hurt FSU or Miami, recruiting rich Florida has plenty of talent to go around.
They would be a great natural rival to FSU and Miami.
4) Pittsburgh
What I like about Pittsburgh is a commitment to having a good football program. Their program has featured such football legends as Tony Dorsett and Dan Marino.
They also have had a good basketball program in recent years. The Pittsburgh market isn't as big as say New York, but it's fairly big ranking 23rd biggest TV market in U.S.
5) Connecticut
I would put Connecticut a distant 5th to the other 4. They would be closer to Boston College than Syracuse, and their basketball program takes a backseat to no one.
What I don't really like is that football program while improving and growing, doesn't add much to the ACC. Frankly the school is known more for it's women's basketball team than football. The ACC could do worse, but they are that not high on my list.
