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5 Teams That Would Benefit Kentucky in SEC Expansion

By Frank Spencer

Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; SEC logo covered with confetti after the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks in the championship game of the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 82-65. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; SEC logo covered with confetti after the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks in the championship game of the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 82-65. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Basketball
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Justin Fuente holds up the Belk Bowl trophy after defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC)

The Virginia Tech basketball team is coming off of one of their more successful seasons with a 22-11 record. Playing in the tough ACC basketball conference leaves the Hokies dealing with a ton of adversity. Adding Virginia Tech to the conference would mean that Kentucky would be inclined to play a team with a great basketball prowess. Having a team like Virginia Tech enter the league would strengthen the overall stability of the conference. With an NCAA Tournament birth in 2017 the Hokies obviously boast some talent. A team very close in proximity as well as great competition to matchup with head to head would be great for Kentucky Basketball.

The Hokies can be a team that can compete for an SEC Basketball championship at times. Having Virginia Tech on the schedule would mean Kentucky would be put to the test throughout the regular season at a higher level than usual. A strength in schedule could prepare a young Kentucky Basketball team for the tougher matchups down the road.

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A tough Matchup With Hokie Football

Virginia Tech boasts a respectable football program that would compete in the SEC. Kentucky would be getting another foe in the East that consistently competes at a high level in the ACC. Last season, the Hokies finished the season at 10-4. That included a win against SEC West participant, the Arkansas Razorbacks. Last season saw Tech compete hard with the eventual National Champion Clemson Tigers. Clemson would go on to defeat the Hokies 42-35. It’s not clear as to whether or not Kentucky Football could compete with Virginia Tech, but it makes sense that they would be a great matchup for Mark Stoops’ team.

If Virginia Tech somehow finds their way into the SEC, Kentucky would have their hands full on Saturday afternoons. But that’s okay. Kentucky Football needs that extra something to push them to be better. Improved competition would mean that recruiting would have to reach another level and player development would need to be tended to as well. It’s a win/win if you think about it.

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