5 worst conference realignment moves in modern college football history

Maryland was a charter member of the ACC, helping form the conference out of the ashes of the Southern Conference in 1953. For six decades, they developed traditional rivalries and occasionally competed for the conference crown. It was a situation that felt locked in, given the familiarity with other league members not just in football but all other sports.

Then the Big Ten came ready to unload a Brinks truck in College Park. With the ACC on uncertain footing as they absorbed former Big East members and the opportunity to enjoy far bigger annual paydays from television and other shared-revenue contracts, the Terrapins decided to sever their longstanding ties and shift affiliation.

In the ACC, Maryland was a solid .508 in winning percentage from 1953 to 2013. They won seven conference crowns under Jerry Claiborne, Bobby Ross, and Ralph Friedgen. Since shifting over to the Big Ten, a chance to contend for the conference title has faded further and further into the rearview mirror.

As a Big Ten member, Maryland wins in conference play at a .302 clip. Averaging five wins per season over the past five years, the Terrapins have been bowling only twice since their realignment. While they seem to enjoy several non-conference statement wins every year, they struggle to get things done with Big Ten play rolls around.