John Swofford hints at future ACC Network programming

After a lengthy preparation process, the ACC Network will finally launch on broadcast television a little over a year from now. Though the timing’s a bit tough given the state of cable TV right now (subscribers are dropping like flies), it’s still believed that the ESPN-owned channel could be a boon for member schools. Estimates are somewhere in the $8-10 million per school range. That’s a pretty nice windfall — especially for the Syracuse Orange.

At this week’s ACC Football Kickoff, conference commissioner John Swofford chatted with the Daily Press about some of the future programming for the network to start things off next fall. One option could involve Syracuse and Pitt (STORIED RIVALS, THEY ARE) playing in week one — though it’s unlikely that would be int the prime Labor Day spot.

Swofford also mentions a similar tip-off event for men’s basketball as well, with 14 of the 15 teams playing one another to open the year over several days. With 20 conference games starting next year, it’s feasible, even if seemingly pointless beyond a viewership standpoint. We’ll get into that more next week, however...

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Swofford reveals potential ACC Network programming (Daily Press)

“There will be some conference games in Week One,” Swofford said, “and there will be some high-profile games during the course of the season that you might expect to be on ABC that will be on the ACC Network in all probability, in both football and men’s basketball. And that could continue.”

How will this ACC football season go? Here are some preseason predictions. (News & Observer)

T2. Syracuse; Projected record: 4-4 ACC, 7-5 overall; Plus: Eric Dungey, when healthy, is the most dangerous quarterback in the ACC. Minus: The Orange’s defense (No. 106 in total defense) is not good and their style of play compounds their deficiencies. Bottom line: This is your “surprise” team. The Orange get a home-cooking special early vs. Florida State and then sweep the Triangle in October to make their first bowl appearance since 2013.

Syracuse’s Dino Babers offers ‘no baloney cheese’ in praise of ACC (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

“This conference is no joke,” Babers said Thursday at the ACC Kickoff. “People talk about other conferences. I’ve been in the Big Ten. I’ve been in the Pac-12. I’ve been in the Pac-12 when it was the Pac-10. You know, coaches come up here and they read their lines and they try to reinforce their conference, and everybody does that, O.K. This is no baloney cheese for me. This conference is a real football conference.”

Rex Culpepper returns as Syracuse’s latest cancer conqueror (Tampa Bay Times)

Initially, Syracuse senior Eric Dungey thought it was a joke in poor taste. He had come to accept fellow quarterback Rex Culpepper as a prankster of sorts, but a crack about cancer? C’mon. ”I was like, ‘You took this one too far,’” Dungey said. ”He’s always been a joker,” Orange defensive lineman Chris Slayton added.

Fox retires from collegiate coaching (Cuse.com)

“Chris has established Syracuse cross country and track and field as one of the pre-eminent programs in the nation, including winning ACC and NCAA Championships,” said Director of Athletics John Wildhack. “We are grateful for his commitment to all the student-athletes he has coached at Syracuse. We wish him and his family all the best as he enters professional coaching and we will build on the great tradition that Chris created.”

ACC preseason power rankings: Can anyone catch Clemson? (ESPN)

Jimbo Fisher left Willie Taggart a high standard, but also a path to raising it (SB Nation)

Kris Joseph is in touch with his Syracuse basketball feelings (Syracuse.com)

Lester Quinones breaks down his recruitment - Talks possibility of going to college with five-star teammate Precious Achiuwa (PrepCircuit)

John Gillon’s bank shot against Duke cemented Syracuse status (Syracuse.com)