Finebaum says ACC cannot replicate same passion as SEC, calls it a lost cause

As college football continues to evolve seemingly every day, one question fans across the country have been asking is what will become of the Atlantic Coast Conference if two of its blue-chip programs, Florida State and Clemson, elect to leave the conference.

Many have argued that to save the ACC, the conference and its network need a recognized face and voice synonymous with the conference’s media similar to the relationship between sports commentator Paul Finebaum and the Southeastern Conference.

Finebaum himself, however, said that the scenario is not possible because the passion of fans in the SEC cannot be replicated by anyone, let alone the ACC.

During an appearance on “The Opening Kickoff” on 105.5 WNSP FM in Mobile, Finebaum explained why it’s a lost cause for the ACC to have a product similar to his show.

“What we do is unique and it is unique not only because of the structure of the show but most importantly because of the SEC. I don’t think you can do it in the ACC, I don’t think you have the fanbases that are passionate enough about the sports that matter the most, which is college football,” Finebaum said. “You tell me, you find the best talk show host in the country, and what are you going to talk about in the ACC? The new uniforms for California and Stanford?”

In his opinion, the quest to make the ACC viewed in a similar light to the SEC is essentially a “lost cause.”

In all likelihood, Finebaum is spot on here. While he is talented at what he does, the reason there is no “Paul Finebaum of the ACC” is that the nature of the conference simply does not allow for that to be possible.

Finebaum himself would tell you his popularity and figure are solely driven by the fact fans in the SEC are more passionate than anywhere else, and he is able to tap into that passion every single day.

As they say, it just means more.

Finebaum’s full interview can be heard here.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.