<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3fSVlz_0vmSYRBz00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3fSVlz_0vmSYRBz00" width="1120" height="630" >The recent expansion of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to include Stanford, California, and SMU marks a significant shift in the college football landscape. Stanford has journeyed the furthest to face the Clemson Tigers, traveling 2,573 miles from California. With this move, the ACC now features 17 teams for football and 18 for other sports, welcoming one of the top academic and athletic institutions, which has historically excelled in various disciplines. This transition reflects a broader trend of conference realignments among collegiate sports.<ul><li>39 Olympic medals won by Stanford athletes at the 2024 Olympic Games, the highest of any school.</li><li>60 NCAA team national championships, with an active 48-year streak of at least one title each year.</li></ul>Yes, ButWhile Stanford enhances the ACC's academic and athletic profile, some critics argue that travel burdens and the potential dilution of rivalries could dilute the conference's competitive edge. Moreover, Stanford has not made the College Football Playoff despite past performances that could have qualified them under new rules.State of Play<ul><li>The ACC is adjusting to its new 17-team structure, focusing on logistics for travel and scheduling challenges.</li><li>Stanford is integrating into its new conference and maintaining its competitive spirit in its athletic programs.</li></ul>Moving forward, the ACC will likely focus on optimizing schedules that accommodate long-distance travel while fostering rivalries. There may also be discussions on further expansion or realignment to enhance competitiveness among member schools.Bottom LineThe addition of Stanford to the ACC is a game-changer that blends academic excellence with athletic prowess. While challenges are anticipated, the long-term benefits of enhancing the conference's prestige and competitiveness may outweigh the initial hurdles.</div></body>

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The Expanded ACC | The Last Word

The recent expansion of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to include Stanford, California, and SMU marks a significant shift in the college football landscape. Stanford has journeyed the furthest to face the Clemson Tigers, traveling 2,573 miles from California. With this move, the ACC now features 17 teams for football and 18 for other sports, welcoming one of the top academic and athletic institutions, which has historically excelled in various disciplines. This transition reflects a broader trend of conference realignments among collegiate sports.