re: How bad does Clemson want to be in the SEC?

I understand your argument. But what you are missing is the fact that footprint and market share are the two factors that have driven realignment, with geographic location being secondary. Competitiveness is way down the list.

With that being said, Maryland is an attractive "get," which is why they are in the B1G now and Louisville isn't. Maryland brought the entire package of footprint and market share. This is also why WV is in the XII and not in the SEC or ACC. Louisville is nothing more than Cincinnati with better football and basketball. They are both commuter schools in relatively small cities. And they are also both a poor draw when compared to Ohio State, Kentucky, and Indiana. However, I will say that Louisville is the more desirable of the two. The reality is that losing Maryland to the B1G was a huge blow to the ACC.

With that being said, my proposal for a roommate switch would be painless, and a net win for everyone!