Hello, Florida State — goodbye championships

The ACC's issue will always be what it does OUTSIDE the conference...not what it does against itself (ie just beating FSU doesn't bring cred to football). 

FSU needs teams that compete for national titles.


http://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/2015/08/01/hello-florida-state-goodbye-championships/30983939/

In the first 39 years of the ACC, when the league was a quaint seven or eight schools from 1953-91 and football to most fans wasn’t much more than an outdoor activity to pass the time until basketball season started, Clemson and North Carolina’s Big Four schools — Duke, North Carolina, N.C. State and Wake Forest — combined to win outright or share a total of 33 football championships.
Then, two words turned these five schools almost into afterthoughts when it comes to trophies — Florida State.
And 12 years later, when another football power — Virginia Tech — joined the ACC, league titles became even more of a distant memory for the original Fab Five.
Over the past 23 seasons, since FSU began its domination and won the first of its 15 titles, those five schools that produced 33 crowns have combined to win just two championships — Wake Forest in 2006 and Clemson in 2011.
From 1953-91 Clemson and the Big Four schools won 84 percent of the ACC titles; since 1992 it’s 8 percent.
For UNC and N.C. State, the championship slide began long before the Seminoles planted their flaming spear into the heart of ACC football.
The Wolfpack have finished first seven times, but not since Bo Rein’s 1979 squad.
The Tar Heels have five ACC titles, but none since the Dick Crum era in 1980.
The last of Duke’s seven championships came in 1989 under a young Steve Spurrier, though the resurgent Blue Devils did win a Coastal Division title in 2013.
Wake Forest’s crown in 2006 — the only time in a seven-year stretch (2002-08) that neither FSU or Virginia Tech won the title — was the Demon Deacons’ second ever and first since coach Cal Stull won it all in 1970.
But no program has felt the pain of expansion more than Clemson, whose 14 championships are second only to FSU.
Unfortunately, second to the Seminoles has become a familiar place for the Tigers, who have slipped from the prettiest girl at the wedding to the bridesmaid, the Avis of the ACC.
Before FSU became the ACC’s ninth school in 1992 and subsequent purges of the Big East Conference swelled the league to its current number of 14 in football, the Tigers won 13 titles and had become the league’s dominant franchise, with seven crowns in 15 seasons from 1978-91.
But over the last 23 years, Clemson has claimed just one championship.
In the past 19 seasons, the Tigers have finished second in the ACC, either in the overall standings or in the Atlantic Division, seven times. On five of those occasions, the only team ahead of Clemson was FSU.
“Florida State isn’t going away,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who is going after his fifth straight 10-win season, said recently at the 2015 ACC Football Kickoff.
“This is a deep league with a lot of good teams, and (FSU) has been at the top for a while. It’s up to the rest of us to close that gap.”
The Seminoles’ 15 ACC titles have been accumulated in just 23 years; Virginia Tech won four championships in its first seven years in the league.
No other school has won more than one crown since FSU’s arrival (Georgia Tech shared first-place with FSU in 1998 and won the 2009 ACC Championship Game, but that victory was vacated due to NCAA sanctions).
“Here’s what’s happened in the ACC,” said Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer.
“A lot of teams have gotten better, and we are a strong league in the middle, but (with the exception of Florida State) we haven’t had that totally dominant team,” he said.
“We all want to be that dominant team, but in the last few years it’s only been Florida State.”
The beginning of the end
When coach Bobby Bowden brought the Seminoles to the ACC in 1992, he had already built the foundation of a dynasty.
FSU had gone 53-7 overall the previous five seasons and finished fourth or higher in five consecutive final AP polls.
The league added the Seminoles for its football prowess and to upgrade national exposure in a sport that had always been considered secondary to the accepted belief that the ACC was a basketball league.
Bowden didn’t disappoint, blowing through the league like a strong varsity program beating up on the JVs.
FSU went 8-0 in ACC play seven times in its first nine years and 7-1 in the two seasons it missed perfection.
Each of those nine teams won league titles, all finished in the top five of the last AP poll of the season, and two (1993 and ’99) won national titles.
Clemson and the Big Four went 1-44 against Bowden in that stretch (1992-2000), with only N.C. State (24-7 in ’98) earning a win.
While the rest of the ACC got bulldozed, most if not all of the schools used FSU’s domination as at least part of the reason to upgrade or rebuild football facilities.
“Sure, we’ll take some credit for that,” Bowden said with a laugh years ago when asked if his program forced the other ACC schools to put more emphasis on the sport.
“We had, year in year out, one of the best teams in the country, and I know some coaches and (athletic directors) went to their presidents and their boosters and said we have to upgrade if you want me to compete with that.
“I shoulda gotten a cut.”
More expansion
While FSU continued its unprecedented run through the ACC (after Maryland snapped the Seminoles’ streak of nine straight titles in 2001, FSU won ACC crowns the next two seasons), the league decided to aggressively expand, adding three Big East programs in two years, including football powers Virginia Tech and Miami in 2004 and Boston College a year later.
Virginia Tech immediately started flexing its muscles as the league went to two divisions in 2005. Beamer’s program won four league titles over seven seasons (2004-10).
The expectation was that with Florida State in the Atlantic and Miami in the Coastal Division, those two rivals and national powers would meet in the title game in Jacksonville, a financial bonanza for the league.
But it didn’t work out that way.
The two superpowers suddenly became ordinary by their standards — FSU went 16-16 in ACC play from 2006-09, Bowden’s last four seasons at the school.
After winning the program’s fifth national championship in 19 seasons in 2001, Miami brought little to the table after joining the ACC.
The Hurricanes are 46-43 in league play over 11 seasons, have won just one division title (a shared crown in 2012) and haven’t played in a championship game.
The promotion of Jimbo Fisher to replace Bowden in 2010 helped put the Seminoles back at the top of the league, and now they are as dominating as ever, with three straight championships and a 24-game winning streak against ACC opponents.
“It’s up to us to change that (FSU’s domination),” said Louisville coach Bobby Petrino.
“They’ve won a national championship, the rest of us haven’t (Georgia Tech in 1990 was the last non-FSU team to win the national crown).
“We have to go out and recruit better and play better to get to that level.”
The future?
Fisher said keeping an ACC dynasty going is harder than ever.
“Look what just happened,” he said, referring to the preseason poll in which the media picked Clemson to unseat his program as the 2015 champion.
“We’ve won three in a row and have a real good team coming back, and they picked Clemson,” he said.
“That tells you something about the depth of this league. I think that’s good for the ACC.”
“The (FSU) rivalry is a fun rivalry, and it’s been a real dogfight every time we play them,” said Clemson defensive tackle D.J. Reader, while acknowledging the Tigers are 6-17 against the Seminoles in ACC play.
“But we have to beat them; that’s a fact.”
With N.C. State (35 years since its last title), North Carolina (34), Duke (25), Wake Forest (1 in 44 seasons) all looking to end long championship droughts, coaches and players realize they have to get better to compete for titles.
“People said last year, ‘Hey you went to a bowl game, good season,’” said UNC linebacker Jeff Schoettmer.
“We won six games (the Tar Heels finished 6-7 after losing 40-21 to Rutgers in the Quick Lane Bowl). Winning six games is not a good season, and that’s nothing to be proud of.
“You’re not going to be a champion with that mentality.”
But there is always hope, according to N.C. State defensive end Mike Rose.
“When is the last time we won (a championship), the 1970s?” he asked. “This is the time. Florida State is down, Clemson is on the rise, and so are we. We can do this.”

Tinder: Hot men are from Georgetown, hot women are from Florida State

Tinder: Hot men are from Georgetown, hot women are from Florida State

"
Top 25 List: Campuses with Most Swiped-Right Females
1. Florida State University
2. University of Miami
3. University of Mississippi
4. University of Colorado Boulder
5. University of Alabama
6. Colorado State University
7. Boise State University
8. Iowa State University
9. University of Arizona
10. University of Iowa
11. Kansas State University
12. Indiana University
13. Texas Christian University
14. San Diego State University
15. Virginia Tech
16. Miami University (Ohio)
17. Clemson University
18. Ohio University
19. University of Florida
20. University of Kentucky
21. Auburn University
22. Texas Tech University
23. Pennsylvania State University
24. West Virginia University
25. Southern Methodist UniversityIt's official: The country's most appealing undergraduates are the women of Florida State University and the men of Washington's very own Georgetown University.
At least, that's what Tinder says. The dating app on Wednesday released its list of the campuses whose students are, in Tinder's phraseology, the Most Swiped Right. Tinder ranked schools based on the ratio of right swipes -- which indicates approval within the dating app -- received by students ages 18-23 attending these universities in the spring of 2015.
One would hope, of course, that students choose their university based on other metrics, such as the quality and cost of its education, the range of extracurricular activities or even its location. But dating potential is a factor, too, we suppose.
"Student body" jokes aside, there are some interesting trends in the data.
For one, there doesn't seem to be a particular campus culture or region that dominates in terms of Tinder appeal. Appealing women, for example, seem to pop up more at public schools. "

The changing landscape of football stadiums...

The pace of change with football stadiums is happening fast.....if your schools isn't making major changes....they are falling behind.

This is the latest in the type of amenities we are seeing...


Student Skyboxes Available for Razorback Football

"Based upon student feedback, the University of Arkansas Athletics Department has changed the layout and format of the Razorback Rooftop (upper South End Zone) area at the Donald W. Reynold Razorback Stadium. During the 2015 season, student groups will be able to reserve the space within the new named Student Skyboxes for each home game.
Beginning this football season, student groups may reserve one of four available student skyboxes located atop the south end zone of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Each skybox will include a reserved area with a tent, carpeted flooring, lounge furniture, two big screen TVs and full sports oriented cable package. In addition, a section of bench seating will be reserved exclusively for Skybox holders.
“After last football season, ASG President Tanner Bone came to the Athletic Department with a problem and solution,” said Chris Freet, Senior Associate AD for External Relations. “Student groups wanted a defined areas to congregate together, especially during Homecoming and Family Weekend when they are hosting alums and parents. Based on his recommendation, we have moved the existing tents forward so they are flush against the seating area and we’ve created an intimate environment that can be reserved on a game-by-game basis for less than $5 per person.”
Each skybox will accommodate up to 150 students. The Student Skyboxes will only be available for rental by officially registered University of Arkansas student organizations. An online registration system will allow student organization contacts to request the game(s) of their choice.
“Many universities across the country allow student groups to reserve blocks of seats together at athletic events, but none quite like this,” said Tanner Bone, Associated Student Government (ASG) President. “Along with Athletics, ASG is excited to offer students the opportunity to take advantage of these Student Skyboxes as they continue to enjoy Razorback Football.”

FSU and Bama lead nation in TV ratings in 2014

Analyzing 2014 College Football Television Ratings

"Also, in the twenty-five most-watched football games this season (not counting bowls), SEC teams participated twenty three times, Big Ten teams participated eleven times, ACC teams participated eleven times, while Big 12 and Pac 12 teams were only represented one time each as were Army, Navy, and Notre Dame."

"The TexAgs data suggests the following average ratings (I believe I have replicated this correctly).

1. SEC = 4.52 Mil
2. 2.  B10 =2.69 Mil,
3. 3. ACC=2.64 Mil,
4. 4. P 12 = 2.23 Mil,
5. 5.  B12 = 2.01 Mil

The adjusted data suggests the following ratings:
1.  SEC = 2.58 Mil, 
2.  B10 = 1.62 Mil,  
3.  B12 = 1.57 Mil,  
4.  ACC = 1.41 Mil, 
5.  P12 = 1.34 Mil

Finally in the original data there are twelve SEC teams in the Top 25, seven Big Ten teams, three Pac 12 teams, two ACC teams, and one independent team.  In the adjusted ratings there are ten SEC teams, five Big Ten teams, five Big 12 teams, three Pac 12 teams, one ACC team and one independent. "

All of my data is available at my webpage (see the bottom of my page for the links )  and any errors in calculating the number of games each team had rated are my own.  Here is the revised Top 25.
(Assumes no viewers for non-rated games)
Team                           # of average Viewers  Conference      # of rated games

1. Alabama                               6.02                 SEC                 11/13 = 84.6%
2. Florida State                        5.73                 ACC                12/13 = 92.3%
3. Notre Dame                         4.20                 IND                 12/12 = 100%
4. Auburn                                  3.89                 SEC                 9/12 = 75%
5. Ohio State                            3.81                 B10                 10/13 = 76.9%
6. Mississippi                          3.35                 SEC                 10/12 = 83.3%
7. Mississippi State                3.04                 SEC                 8/12 = 66.7%
8. Michigan State                   2.71                 B10                 8/12 = 66.7%
9. Georgia                                 2.62                 SEC                 7/12 = 58.3%
10. LSU                                        2.62                 SEC                 8/12 = 66.7%
11. Texas A&M                          2.56                 SEC                 8/12 = 66.7%
12. Michigan                              2.52                 B10                 8/12 = 66.7%
13. Oregon                                  2.31                 P12                  10/13 = 76.9%
14. Missouri                               2.28                 SEC                 8/13 = 61.5%
15. Oklahoma                            2.17                 B12                 11/12 = 91.7%
16. Southern California           2.11                 P12                  10/12 = 83.3%
17. Wisconsin                            2.08                 B10                 10/13 = 76.9%
18. UCLA                                     2.07                 P12                  10/12 = 83.3%
19. Nebraska                               2.01                 B10                 8/12 = 66.7%
20. Baylor                                     1.97                 B12                 11/12 = 91.7%
21. Arkansas                               1.94                 SEC                 8/12 = 66.7%
22. Florida                                    1.93                 SEC                 5/11 = 45.5%
23. TCU                                         1.80                 B12                 10/12 = 83.3%
24. West Virginia                       1.73                 B12                 9/12 = 75%
25. Ks State and Texas (tie)     1.72                 B12                 10/12 = 83.3%

 Avg Ratings according to rated Data                   Avg TV Ratings “adjusted” 

1. SEC = 4.52 M                                                       1.  SEC = 2.58 M
2. B10 =2.69 M                                                         2.  B10 = 1.62 M
3. ACC = 2.64 M                                                      3.  B12 = 1.57 M
4. P12 = 2.23 M                                                        4.  ACC = 1.41 M
5. B12 = 2.01 M                                                        5.  P12 = 1.34 M

NBC to move Notre Dame football game to cable for first time

"Only Alabama and Florida State drew higher television ratings for their combined games than the Fighting Irish last season."

http://texags.com/s/15550/infographic-2014-college-football-tv-ratings

NC State Bball dorms

Interesting, FSU just finished one of these for football, NC State doing one for basketball.

80% of revenue is in football........this is the ACC folks.


http://www.scout.com/college/north-carolina-state/forums/2515-packpride-sports/13992650-new-basketball-dorms-this-should-really-help-recruiting

"The 62-bed facility, to be named Case Commons Residence Hall, will be inhabited by athletes and other students. Since 1996, NCAA rules have specified that residence halls have to be occupied by at least 51 percent non-athletes. The change represented an attempt to do away with special perks in athletic dorms that were not available to other students."

Sure ESPN will be all over this #SECPNbias

When will the ACC wake up and see these facts, the negative coverage FSU gets at ESEPN and realize, our own network is tearing ACC football down?







Mike Rosenberg ‏@RosenbergMerc 12h12 hours ago

College football's top 25 for most player arrests, broken down by conference. One stands out: pic.twitter.com/1k1iSRLv6Z

7:45 PM - 19 Aug 2015 · Details

     

Mike Rosenberg ‏@RosenbergMerc 11h11 hours ago

In fact, about one-third of the top 40 college football teams with the most arrests are from the SEC: pic.twitter.com/80q3GjdD29

7:50 PM - 19 Aug 2015 · Details

View conversation Hide conversation 6 retweets 2 favorites

FSU lands internationally known physicist for major post at Mag Lab

http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2015/08/19/fsu-lands-internationally-known-physicist-major-post-mag-lab/32002355/


Florida State University has hired internationally renowned physicist and National Academy of Science member Laura Greene as the the new chief scientist for the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
The significant hire concludes what FSU describes as a decade-long search for a position critical to the advancement of magnetic field research.
“We are delighted to welcome Laura to the MagLab,” said Greg Boebinger, director of the MagLab. “This is a very exciting hire of a highly regarded condensed matter experimentalist who will bring new perspectives and new visibility to the scientific achievements of the MagLab and its user program.”
Greene brings more than 20 years of scientific expertise and teaching experience to the world’s largest and highest powered magnet lab. Her physics research is centered on studies of strongly correlated electron systems and she is known internationally for her discoveries, including those involving Andreev bound states in unconventional superconductors.
“Florida State University is committed to recruiting the highest caliber of research faculty members," said Vice President for Research Gary K. Ostrander. “Laura is the university’s most recent example — a National Academy Member with a prestigious career that includes several of the world’s most respected scientific institutions.”
Greene’s more than 400 invited talks and nearly 200 publications have earned her Fellowships in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Physical Society. She is the winner of the E. O. Lawrence Award for Materials Research from the Department of Energy.
She is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Members are elected to the academy in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. The academy membership is one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive.
Greene previously served as a Swanlund and Center for Advanced Study Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is also the associate director for the Center for Emergent Superconductivity, a consortium of researchers from Brookhaven National Lab, Argonne National Lab and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who advance the understanding and control of materials, mechanisms and critical currents of superconductors.
Greene received her undergraduate degree at Ohio State University and completed her master’s and doctoral degrees at Cornell. She started her professional career at Bell Labs and contributed to a number of discoveries that were key to an early understanding of the intrinsic properties of high-temperature superconductivity.
As the chief scientist, Greene will partner with MagLab leadership on the development and articulation of the lab’s scientific vision to advance all seven user facilities located at Florida State, University of Florida and Los Alamos National Laboratory. She will also oversee the lab’s interdisciplinary Science Council, an internal advisory group that explores emerging scientific opportunities for the lab.
“I have so much respect for the quality of research taking place at the MagLab across scientific disciplines,” Greene said. “The organization is known around the world as the premier location for high magnetic field research and for a remarkable commitment to educating the community about how high magnetic field research is relevant to their lives.”
In addition to her role as chief scientist, Greene also will hold a faculty position in the FSU Department of Physics where her work in materials science will contribute to a burgeoning research infrastructure based around the broadly defined areas of energy and materials.