(01-04-2024 12:51 AM)AllTideUp Wrote:  I'll go ahead and argue now for 24 and for much the same reason I have historically.

1. It's a significant amount of content under one roof. I know the networks have undue influence, but I think single leagues going larger helps mitigate that simply due to the market share. I don't even think it's a matter of getting the biggest brands you can get. Add members that are relevant in their market and it makes a difference.

2. It tends to generate less travel overall even if you expand outside your region. Basically, it distributes distance over a larger number so most schools don't make long trips as often.

3. More unique match-ups are created and that can keep TV inventory fresh. You need the big brand vs brand games, yes. You also need the consistent rivalry games, sure. But people like watching games they don't get to see all the time as well. That's one reason bowl games and early season non-conference match-ups tend to get good ratings.

I, too, think the SEC should go to 24. If Florida St can wrangle free, then I'd like to see the SEC take: Clemson, Florida St, North Carolina, North Carolina St, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. That leaves 2 spots. For the final 2, my options would be: Duke, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Louisville, and Miami. All 5 have important rivalries with schools that would be in the SEC. There are a number of decisions you could make:
- Bring in all ACC rivals: Georgia Tech and Louisville
- Be the best basketball conference: Duke and Kansas
- Keep the B1G out of the South: Georgia Tech and Miami
- Increase the academic profile: Duke and either Georgia Tech or Miami

My choice would actually be Kansas and Miami. It keeps the B1G out of Florida, adds 1 historically great basketball school and 1 with a good up-and-coming basketball program, both AAU, and both bring rivalries with multiple schools in the SEC.

SEC
Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida St, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, Mississippi, Mississippi St, Missouri, North Carolina, North Carolina St, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech