Clemson president: Tigers have had no talks with SEC

There is speculation that rivals Clemson and USC could be competing in the same conference soon.

Buy Photo Travis Bell/Sideline Carolina

Published: Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 9:24 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 9:24 p.m.

CLEMSON ? Clemson University President James Barker said Saturday that the school is not changing leagues, despite reports the Tigers might head to the Southeastern Conference.

Barker said the Tigers have had no discussions with the SEC.

?We are committed to the ACC,? he said in a statement. ?We have had no contact with the SEC.?

Clemson surfaced in reports that said the school would possibly join Texas A&M in a move to the SEC as that conference's 13th and 14th teams.

Eleven of the 12 SEC presidents will meet Sunday at a secret location to discuss the admission of Texas A&M to the league, according to a high-ranking SEC official with first-hand knowledge of the talks.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said he would welcome his state rival to the SEC with open arms.

?I think it would be great if Clemson joined the SEC,? he said Saturday following the team's first scrimmage of fall camp.

Spurrier said the Tigers would likely be in the SEC Eastern Division, like the Gamecocks, making the annual end-of-the-season matchup that much more intense ? like Auburn-Alabama or Mississippi-Mississippi State.

?It would make for a better game,? Spurrier said.

Spurrier didn't comment on whether Texas A&M would join the SEC, a move that has been the subject of numerous media reports.

Clemson surfaced in those same reports, saying the school would possibly join the Aggies in switching to the SEC as that conference's 13th and 14th teams. The Tigers have been charter members of the ACC since it was formed in 1953.

Source: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20110813/wire/110819862

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