So, four schools opposed the initial plan to add Cal & Stanford (and possibly SMU). Those four schools are: FSU, Clemson, UNC and NC State.
The speculated rationale for the no votes were:
- FSU wants out of the ACC, and one way (perhaps the only way) for FSU to leave the ACC and not lose a ton of money via GOR is for the ACC to dissolve. By adding three schools with no other options, it becomes less likely that ACC will dissolve before 2036. So, FSU is never supporting adding members to the ACC.
- While not as clear, it appears, at a minimum, Clemson wants to keep its options open, and based on the rationale above, adding those three schools would limit Clemson's options until 2036
- Also, while not as clear (as FSU is run by idiots revealing their hand on every deal), UNC may have the same thinking as Clemson, and also, just not want to further water-down the conference by adding members from different timezones, as it appears that there are still decision-makers at UNC that still romanticize about the ACC before expansion; simply stated, they liked it better when the ACC was essentially a North Carolina-based conference, and they were the big dog (that's never going to happen if they join another conference).
- NC State, who are probably upset at FSU for challenging the Pack as to the most delusional fan-base, seem to think that they are tethered to UNC, and that if UNC does get an offer from the Big 10 or SEC, they would be part of the package.... don't think the Pack should hold their breath while waiting for an SEC or Big 10 offer.
So, as poorly run as many believe the ACC are, the conference is not dumb enough to go through another vote on expansion without believing that at least one of those four has had a change of heart. Clear that its not FSU, as those dopes continue to grasp to the pipe dream that the SEC is on the verge of inviting them, and it's the ACC affiliation that holding the Noles back. Keep thinking that Drew Weatherford... So, that means that Clemson, UNC or NC State has changed its mind. Since State is apparently just letting UNC decide things, it would seem like either Clemson or UNC (or both) are now open to ACC expansion. For UNC or Clemson, I would not think its just the extra money that they might get if SMU, Stanford and Cal agree to no share for an extra couple of years. Wouldn't think a call by George Bush or Condeleeza Rice would be enough either. Maybe the SEC and Big 10 made it clear that they aren't adding anytime soon. Would love to know the machinations.