Unless you're the type to check in on conference realignment rumors during the weekend (bless you, if so), you may have missed some of the Florida St. Seminoles excitement over the past few days. The big takeaways are all in this great piece by Dan Wetzel, which contains much of the original reporting on whether FSU is actually a potential Big 12 target or not. There were certainly a number of statements, albeit conflicting, from FSU leadership that make this story look like it's really heading somewhere.
The Wetzel story helps clear up some of the concern over the ACC's new TV deal. For one thing, it's largely backloaded, so by the time Florida State and others actually see the new contract pay off, the ACC could have fallen far to the back of the pack again anyway. People in the ACC are legitimately worried about FSU, while those in the Big 12 seem to view the whole thing as an interesting potential surprise opportunity, according to the story. Wetzel also reports the Miami Hurricanes -- not the Clemson Tigers -- could be a more likely traveling companion for the Noles in the event of a conference switch.
Also, from earlier in the weekend, in chronological order:
- Florida State AD Randy Spetman says, "We're committed to the ACC."
- FSU Board of Trustees chair Andy Haggard says, "Unanimously we would be in favor of seeing what the Big 12 has to offer."
- Coach Jimbo Fisher goes along with whatever he's being asked about the Big 12.
- And school president Eric Barron denies the whole thing, but notes, "Any university would examine options that would impact university academics, athletics or finances."
For more on FSU football, visit Florida State blog Tomahawk Nation and SB Nation Tampa Bay.