"BC Rule" sinks Gator Bowl deal

The ACC has promoted the Champs Bowl in Orlando as its third place destination after talks with the Gator Bowl fell apart. What happened with the Gator? Well it seems that the folks in Jacksonville rejected the "one-wine" rule (aka the "BC rule"). For those who are not familiar with the "BC rule" it means that a bowl cannot bypass a team and select a team two wins behind them in the standings. Example: a BC team with a 5-3 conference record was available to the Gator. The Gator could still select a team with a 4-4 record, but not a team that's 3-5 in the ACC.

This rule was instituted after BC got dropped all the way to Boise in our first year in the conference. Despite it being attached to us, most of the ACC supports the concept as it adds some level of meritocracy to the selection process. Without out the rule, the big travelers (Clemson, FSU, VT and NC State) would go to best bowls before the Miamis and BCs of the conference.

I am sorry to see the Gator go but glad the conference took a stand. Plus the Champs Bowl was a good time in 2007.

Jacksonville list of events

Looking for something to do in Jacksonville? Here are a few events set up by BC, the ACC and the city of Jacksonville.

FRIDAY

Gridiron Club Event
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk
Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar
$10 members, $20 non-members
Please reserve tickets at gridclub@bc.edu
Only cash or checks accepted at the door

ACC FanFest
5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Public event with free admission
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Pepsi Plaza

ACC Firework Display
10:00 p.m.
St. John's River

SATURDAY

Pre-Game Event
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk Ballroom
Included in official ACC Tournament air & land tour
Limited walk-ins available at $25 per person
Breakfast buffet and cash bar
Reserve walk-in tickets at alumni.comments@bc.edu
Only cash or checks accepted at the door

Transportation to Stadium
Water taxis are available within walking distance of the hotel for $10 roundtrip.

Pep Rally
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Free

EVENTS AND PLACES OF NOTE IN JACKSONVILLE

This is only a bit of what they sent me. For more information go to visitjacksonville.com.

Be a part of the excitement at the Jacksonville Landing, located along the Northbank of the St. Johns River in downtown. Experience the live entertainment on the famed courtyard all weekend long. The action starts on Friday, Nov. 30 at 5:00 p.m with the Rhythm Cure Band. Saturday, the party starts early and continues throughout the evening. The Jacksonville Landing is home to restaurants and nightlife along with the Twisted Martini, an upscale entertainment and dining venue with South Beach sophistication. Call (904) 358-1188 or visit www.jacksonvillelanding.com.

Enjoy Downtown’s premiere riverfront restaurant, the River City Brewing Company, located along the Southbank of the St. Johns River . Try a taste of local flavor with Mayport Shrimp, brought in fresh daily from the Northeast Florida waterways. The Brewhouse Lounge offers live entertainment weekly along the river deck, providing a breathtaking view of the Jacksonville skyline. Also check out the on-site brewery and see the beer brewing process, as the restaurant creates its own flair with flavors such as the Jag Lite, Jackson Pale Ale, Red Rooster Ale and Riptide Porter. Call (904) 398-2299 or visit www.rivercitybrew.com.

Shoppers will delight with the opening of 40 new stores exclusive to Northeast Florida market at the St. Johns Town Center . Home furnishings, jewelry, footwear, specialty stores and of course, fashion, are among the highlights opening just in time for holiday bargains. New stores include: Abercrombie, Aldo, Arden B., Baker’s, Bebe Sport, Betsey Johnson, BCBG, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Guess, MAC Cosmetics, Marciano, Pottery Barn, Sole Mio, The Walking Company, Tommy Bahama, Urban Outfitters and West Elm. Call (904) 998-7156 or visit www.simon.com.