Whether you like FSU, Miami, or more recently Clemson, or not…having them in the conversation is good for the sport. Whether they “bring value” to the SEC or not…having them in the conversation is good for the sport.

Remember, these are schools, with traditions and rivalries. They are not competitor corporations that should be driven out of business. Certainly you want to beat your rival every single year, but only those who don’t appreciate the sport want brand names relegated to the trash heap.

When realignment was initially discussed and proposed under super conferences, this whole “not in my backyard” protectionist stance wasn’t part of the equation. There should be no joy in dropping these teams regardless of which conference they are in. When I turn on the tv on Saturdays, I don’t want to just watch 20 schools, I want to know that some random school out west or even my rival is playing a game that matters…not for my conference, but for the playoff rankings.

College football is the only sport where your rival having a good record is important…because of strength of schedule and because you want to be the one that dashes their hopes! I’d have no problem if my rival joined my conference if it assured me the opportunity to beat them every year!