What would College Football be like without a good rumor? It seems like every year, there is potential for ground shaking movements that cause the sport to gasp with excitement. Well this year is no different. Some well known rivalry's will come to a brief halt next season in the ACC and the Big 10 conferences. For all you nostalgic types, do not fret. The Bowl season will present new match up's that ordinarily would not happen and maybe an old one or two. TV eyes and new markets along with competitive balance is helping reshape the landscape of America's new past time and we here at ESDN have all the details. Lets dive in.
Big Ten -
Additions Syracuse
Subtractions Purdue, Ohio, Northwestern
The conference experimented with a nine game conference schedule and decided it was better to cut weight rather than drag others along. While I would not rule out a return to the Big 10 for Ohio, Purdue or the Wildcats, the addition of Syracuse gives a East coast flavor and with Coach Crouse calling the shots, it will make for some interesting fall afternoon's in the Midwest. Grade A+
Big East -
Additions Ohio, Georgia Tech, Army, Purdue, Northwestern, NC State
Subtractions Marshall, Wake Forest, Georgia Southern, Syracuse
The Big 10's loss is the Big East gain. NC State, Purdue and Northwestern will have a chance to rehab their images and Army is fresh off of a National title appearance, gets reunited with Navy. Ohio and Georgia Tech have both won National titles in the last eight years. Losing Marshall and Wake Forest will not impact the league, but there is a slight sting with the Georgia Southern and the Orange leaving. The increase in members means a nine game conference season, so the champion will most definitely "EarnIt". Grade B+
ACC -
Additions Wake Forest, Georgia Southern
Subtractions NC State, Georgia Tech
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. Wake Forest rejoins the league and on the strength of their new hot shot coordinator Stephon Spurrier, looks to shake things up. Georgia Southern has kept up appearances and finished with a top 10 ranking, their first since the days of Skeet LaFrance. Will the Wolfpack and Jackets make it back? Time will tell Grade B
Big 12 -
Additions Houston
Subtractions Texas A&M
The Cougars for the Aggies. A straight up one for one trade. Lets face it, A&M has been an unmitigated disaster since Josh Harbaugh left for Colorado. Houston brings an up tempo offense and energy from the Lone Star State. Grade C