In an unpredictable move, Syracuse announced its switch to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on Sunday, September 18th. Along with Pittsburgh, Syracuse became one of two teams that will depart from the Big East and its 14 other football teams beginning in the fall of 2013.
While the switch has spurred intense controversy among Orange fans, the truth of the matter is that the conference switch is due to a need for financial stability. The ACC historically yields greater television audiences and thus more revenue. In this way, the move is largely based on the hopefully increased profit that will result for the Syracuse franchise.
Even though the switch has been finalized, both teams are required to wait two years and pay an additional $5 million exit fee to the Big East, which ideally will be regained plus more through the increased capital accompanying the switch.
Though the switch may be logical and even advantageous for the Orange, fans and players alike cannot help but bring up the sentimentality involved with leaving such a historic conference. For Syracuse, leaving the Big East means leaving bittersweet rivalries and harsh competitors. No longer will Syracuse fans be sporting the traditional “Beat Nova” T-shirts, or shout cheerful insults at games against Georgetown and University of Connecticut. In February 2010, the Syracuse vs. Villanova Men’s Basketball game drew 34, 616, which still represents the NCAA record for the largest on-campus crowd to see a college basketball game.
Ironically enough, Syracuse is the founder of the Big East, and now is the first to venture out. ESPN predicts a following domino effect after the departure of Syracuse, as there is a rumor that University of Connecticut is also looking to join the ACC.
While the Big East is left picking up their pieces, Syracuse is ready for the benefits of the ACC. Recruiting athletes should be a less difficult process because Syracuse will be competing against higher-level teams, creating higher standards for their athletes. The Orange hope to draw more fans to their games against accomplished competing schools such as University of North Carolina, Florida State University, and Duke.
Despite the Orange tipping their hats to the Big East, fans should maintain an optimistic outlook for new competitors and the development of fierce rivalries.