Wednesday, July 8, 2015

ACC teams as EU members









Because why not do a thought exercise that combines my interest in ACC sports with my interest in international politics?

This is mainly, but not completely, from a football point of view



ACC School EU Country Analog Description
Boston College




Ireland

They thought getting in would be their ticket to long term security and prosperity. And for the first few years, it looked like it was working.  Then reality set in. 
Clemson


Sweden

Prosperous, but never can quite get over the hump into true greatness
Duke

Belgium

Small, near the center of power
Florida State

Germany

The most powerful. Likes to throw its weight around in the organization.  As a result of that, resented by many of the others. 
Georgia Tech

Italy

They think they are FSU/Germany's main partner and rival. But they really aren't
Louisville

Croatia

Welcome, newest member. Here's hoping you work out. We're still not sure
Miami

Greece

We thought getting them would be the crowing touch of prestige, because they have a glorious past. But there was less than meets the eye and now that they've punched their ticket they're coasting on the other members' hard work
UNC

France

A founding member with a lot of power in the organization. But no one is quite sure why, or if it's merited. Plus, lots of rot under the prestigious surface.
NC State

Finland

You know they're in. They're a solid member with a solid pedigree. But they aren't one of the first names you think of when naming members of the organization.
Notre Dame

The United Kingdom

They're in, on a sweetheart deal. Sort of. We think. Despite the sweetheart deal, lots of their people aren't happy that they joined. To be honest, no one is quite sure about these guys.
Pittsburgh

Romania

Oh they're in? Really? Didn't expect that and not sure it's a good fit. But OK, we'll work with them.
Syracuse

Bulgaria

Virginia

Denmark

They're pleasant enough, I guess. Just kind of there with minimal power but they used to have much more influence.
Virginia Tech

Estonia

They've wanted to be in for decades, even when they were part of a rival organization. Swore they would do whatever it took to get in, no matter how painful or embarrassing. When the opportunity arose they did just that. And it was totally worth it.
Wake Forest

Luxemborg

A small, founding member near the center of power. But definitely could not have made it on their own.


And a bonus entry:
UConn


Turkey

On the outside looking in. Badly wants to join but there always seems to be a reason to reject them and tell them "maybe next time."

2 comments:

  1. Turkey has been pulling away from the EU and seems to be more sympathetic to the Islamic State. I guess that would make the B1G the IS because that's where UConn seems to be headed soon according to some people in the know, the B1G not the Islamic State.

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  2. Ah, yes....the ever ubiquitous and vague "people in the know" statement from some UCon fans in deep denial. Lol
    Bottom line is UCon has been rejected repeatedly by the B1G, ACC, and Big 12- and for good reason. They're a small redundant program that brings nothing but a great bb program to be sure, but that doesn't drive the bus & their football is pathetic.
    Rutgers,Syracuse, and Notre Dame have seen up the NYC demo & UCon brings little to that mix- at least not enough to warrant full inclusion!
    Eventually you'll see them turn into a "Gonzaga-like" program, with a mid-major league (AAC) that they always dominate, but still on the outside of the P5. That's the UCon reality for the foreseeable future.

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