Via ESPN.com the ACC is closing in on a future football scheduling format.
The ACC is closing in on a change to its scheduling format that will require all league teams to play at least 10 games against Power 4 competition, though the number of intraconference games played — eight or nine — remains a sticking point, according to multiple sources.
I continue to remain in the camp of preferring 8 + 2, and I’ve laid out my reasons for it.
The Big 12 and Big 10 already play 9 conference games, and the ACC has had 8 games against them so far this year. You throw in the series with Notre Dame, and Louisville, Georgia Tech, Clemson, and FSU already have their in-state SEC game, and I don’t think filling in an 8 + 2 schedule will be as tough as some believe. I think this is true even when the SEC goes to 9 + 1.
Sure, there will be some reduction in opportunities with that, but it’s how I would start. If there ACC/ACC matchups to fill out the schedule, I don’t mind.
In addition, if ESPN doesn’t throw more money at the ACC for extra conference games, then ACC schools need the flexibility to schedule games and venues as they see fit.
No additional revenue is expected to come from ESPN if a change is made.
We haven’t even heard of something outside the box, such as Notre Dame adding another ACC game or increasing the frequency of Notre Dame games with Florida State and Miami.
I’d rather the ACC go its own way on this. 10 P4 games, however you get there, but use the 8 + 2 and keep flexibility.
