Clemson football: ACC needs to move to a 9-game conference schedule

It’s easy for Clemson football fans to get caught up in the potential of the ACC adding another power or looking at what the conference might do in expansion, but the truth of the matter is that it’s time to look internally if we want to see the ACC grow.

The ACC needs to see programs like Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech rise back to prominence, but it’s more than just seeing its brands outside of Clemson football succeed.

There has already been a move among other conferences around the nation to move to a 9-game schedule. The Big Ten and Pac-12 are already playing nine conference games. The Big 12 was playing nine games, as well.

The SEC, now with the additions of Texas and Oklahoma, is also now exploring the option to expand to nine games.

The ACC needs to get out in front of the SEC and expand to a 9-game conference schedule. Here’s why that’s beneficial for Clemson football

Say what you want to, but we’re moving away from the days of Clemson scheduling a lower-FBS team and an in-state FCS team in the non-conference.

Television revenue isn’t made off of watching Virginia host William & Mary. It’s not made off of watching Florida State beat Florida A&T or Clemson beating The Citadel.

While some of those brands– like Clemson and Florida State– still command an audience because of their sheer name, there should be much more intrigue from seeing them, and their conference peers, play another game.

It’s all about content and the ACC Network needs to have more options than playing a Wake Forest vs. *insert FCS opponent’s name here* in its mid-afternoon slot.

If the ACC is going to build a brand, it’s going to have to be by building its football programs and creating content that viewers want to watch. That all starts by adding another conference game.

It’s beneficial for Clemson because it generates more money for the ACC and, in turn, gives the Tigers a better chance at closing the gap against in terms of money against many of their SEC and Big Ten foes.