Florida State University has recently taken legal action against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in an attempt to find a more cost-effective way to exit the conference. The university contends that the ACC’s recent decision to add Stanford, Cal, and Southern Methodist University (SMU) to its roster demonstrates a prioritization of self-preservation over the financial welfare of its member schools.
Florida State argues that the addition of these schools will dilute the ACC’s chances of securing future bids to the highly coveted College Football Playoff (CFP). However, this argument seems to lack merit as the CFP will undergo significant changes next year, expanding to include 12 teams. This expansion will bring about an entirely different landscape when it comes to future playoffs.
It is important to note that Stanford and Cal’s inclusion in the ACC is only occurring due to the dissolution of the Pac-12 conference, which has reduced the number of “power” conferences from five to four. This change potentially puts Florida State in a better position as an ACC team, considering that the teams that made this year’s playoff will belong to just two conferences by next year.
In its lawsuit, Florida State also criticizes the football programs of Stanford and Cal, utilizing rankings from a single article to support their stance. However, this argument overlooks the fact that the Bay Area, where Stanford and Cal are situated, boasts a significantly larger television market compared to the closest major city to Oregon State.
The validity of Florida State’s legal argument will unfold in the coming days and weeks, as the court weighs the school’s claims against the ACC. It remains to be seen whether the university’s concerns about financial implications and potential hindrances to their football program will hold sway in the courtroom. Forever Sports Online will provide updates on this ongoing legal battle as new information becomes available.
