By Heath Bradley.
ACC Commissioner John Swofford met with the media Sunday at the ACC Football Kickoff in Greensboro, NC. Here are some interesting news, notes, and quotes from ACC Commissioner John Swofford’s Forum:
News:
-Sellout of 2011 ACC Championship Game
– 2011 Season – First Time 2 ACC Members in BCS (Clemson, Virginia Tech)
– 56 Teams in Postseason since 2005. Only one league has had more with 60 teams
– Addition of Pitt and Syracuse will enhance Academic and Athletic Strength of ACC
– ACC is now in 9 Contiguous States
– New ESPN TV Contract through 2026-27 Season
– 12-Year Deal with Orange Bowl
-Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day Starting in 2014
-Secure Place in new Post Season Format
– 91 Current or Former ACC Student Athletes will compete in 2012 London Olympics
– Clemson President James Barker is heading an NCAA Committee working to simplify the NCAA Rulebook
Quotes and Notes:
On New Postseason Format:
“It is the best of both worlds. We have a playoff, but in a way that still preserves what we think is still the best regular season in sports. Also preserves the bowls.”
“Will recapture New Year’s Day, and give us “Championship Monday”
Highlights of New Postseason Include:
– 4 Teams have a chance for National Championship
– Better Financial Payout For Universities
– Selection Committee Will be Formed and place an emphasis on:
- Conference Championships
- Strength of Schedule
- Head to Head Results
On Situation at Penn State:
“A Tragedy from every angle.”
“You hope the right people find the right approach for what should be done.”
On ACC Survival in the Future:
“It has never been as issue in my mind. The league includes a group of schools together for all the right reasons. The new TV rights give us a great deal of security from a monetary and exposure standpoint.”
On Visiting Clemson and the BOT Recently:
“I offer to all schools if they have need of me to speak to any group I will.”
“It is not unusual for a commissioner to be on campus in some type of meeting.”
“I am here to serve the institutions.”
“The 1st Full Board Meeting I have attended in 15 years.”
When asked about Clemson’s Commitment to ACC:
“In one word, TOTALLY”
“Great visit to Clemson as you always do, terrific people.”
On being asked if he felt Notre Dame Would Join ACC:
Begins laughing and says, “I cannot hear the question.”
“I cannot speak to that obviously.”
“Obviously they are committed to their independence, we will have to wait and see if that changes.”
On 9-game Conference Schedule:
“Most challenging for a school with a rival outside of conference.”
“It can be adjusted at some point; it is up to institutions to make that decision.”