The Wiz of Odds

Why the ACC's New TV Deal Isn't Such a Big Deal

Two lessons learned in the past week. Realignment is far from over and bigger is not always better.

First, realignment. The latest scuttlebutt has Florida State of the Atlantic Coast Conference taking an interest in joining the Big 12. As usual, the Seminoles' curiosity starts and ends with money.

Chip Brown of Orangebloods first reported on possible benefits to Florida State last Wednesday after the ACC announced it had reached a new 15-year, $3.6 billion TV deal with ESPN. That pact will last until 2027 and was said to be worth $240 annually to the conference, or $17.14 million per school. At first glance, it sounds like a terrific score, up from the approximate $13 million each school was receiving in the current TV deal.

But Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports! reported that the agreement is actually backloaded and the initial bump in revenue is around $1 million per school. The additional $4 million wouldn't be realized until 2021.

Video of Skybox Brawl at Florida State-Florida Game

A surveillance video showing a brawl between Florida State and Florida fans has been released by the University of Florida. The melee took place on the sixth floor of skyboxes at Ben Hill Stadium after the Seminoles' 21-7 victory on Nov. 26. Keep an eye on the top of the screen, just outside the elevators.

Two men were arrested but the incident remains under investigation. One of the participants was sent to the hospital with what police said was a broken nose. The man was apparently kicked in the head.

A 30-ticket suite goes for $87,000 and a 20-seat suite is $58,000 per season, according to the Gator Booster's office. Although drinking is not allowed in the stands, it is permitted in skyboxes.

The activity wasn't limited to skyboxes. Authorities said 167 people were ejected from the stadium for violations. Outside the stadium, one man was beaten and had his head stomped.

Florida State

Remember when hiring a coach in waiting was all the rage? It didn't work out at most places, but in Tallahassee, the coach in waiting program appears to be a smashing success. Jimbo Fisher's first season in relief of the legendary Bobby Bowden resulted in Florida State winning 10 games. Now the Seminoles are poised to return to elite status, beginning this fall. But looming large on the schedule is a Sept. 17 home game against Oklahoma.

Click the image to enlarge. Poster designed by Old Hat Creative.

Texas A&M Intends to Bolt the Big 12 for the SEC

The Texas A&M Board of Regents has called a meeting for Monday where it is expected to end its 15-year union with the Big 12, according to Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News.

The move would clear the way for the Aggies to become a member of the Southeastern Conference. School officials are hoping to begin play in the SEC in 2012.

Zwerneman writes that SEC officials plan to meet this weekend "to essentially rubber-stamp A&M's admittance."

Adding the Aggies will boost the SEC's membership to an unbalanced 13 teams, and the league is expected to add another member. Florida State appears to be at the top of the list. The Palm Beach Post reported Friday that Florida State has been in discussions with SEC officials for several months.

"This is real," a source close to Florida State told the newspaper.

Stay Classy, Florida State

A Florida State fan on his way to the Seminoles' game at Miami last month had a problem. The pickup he was riding in was stuck in traffic and he had to go to the bathroom. This did not have a pretty ending. Thanks to M Zone.

Brigham Young Cheap Shot

Watch Brigham Young defensive back Travis Uale rip the helmet off the head of Florida State receiver Bert Reed during the Sept. 18 game between the teams in Tallahassee.

For those new to the site, each year we try to track down as many cheap shots as possible in order to call attention to these cowardly acts. If you know of a cheapie, send an email: jayzuma (at) gmail.com.