Let's get the obvious part out of the way, of course Memphis and Tulane would like to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The step up from The American isn't nearly as big a jump as it used to be, but the increase in money and exposure is still there.

Look, the ACC is still one of the most prestigious and successful conferences in college sports, especially in basketball and football. However, with the recent changes in the college landscape, the ACC may need to expand its membership to keep up with the other Power Conferences. Two schools that would make perfect additions to the ACC are the University of Memphis and Tulane University.

Memphis and Tulane are both members of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), which is widely regarded as the best of the Group of Five conferences. However, both schools have shown that they can compete with the best the power conferences can serve up on the gridiron and hardwood.

Memphis has a storied basketball program that has produced NBA stars like Penny Hardaway (who just happens to be the current head coach), Derrick Rose, and others. The Tigers have made three Final Four appearances, most recently in 2008, and have won 13 conference titles. Under Hardaway, Memphis has been recruiting at a high level and has been ranked at various times in the top 25 for the past two seasons. UM would add a lot of excitement and talent to the ACC basketball scene, which already features powerhouses like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Memphis also has a very competitive football program that has finished within the top 25 frequently since joining The American The Tigers have won two AAC titles since 2014 and have earned nine bowl bids since 2014. Memphis has also produced NFL stars like DeAngelo Williams, Antonio Gibson, and Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce. Memphis would bring a lot of offense and flair to the ACC football scene, which already features contenders like Clemson, Miami, and affiliate Notre Dame.

Tulane is another school that would fit well in the ACC. Tulane is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in the country. Tulane is also a very prestigious academic institution, ranked No. 73 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report. Tulane would enhance the academic reputation of the ACC, which already features elite schools like Duke, Virginia, and Wake Forest.

Tulane also has a history of athletic success, especially in baseball and football. Tulane has made three Super Regionals and taken two trips to the College World Series., in 2001 and 2005, and has made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Green Wave would add a lot of quality and tradition to the ACC baseball scene, which already features champions like Florida State, Miami, and Virginia.

The Wave also has a respectable football program that has been improving dramatically in recent years. The Green Wave have made four bowl appearances under head coach Willie Fritz and have won three of them. Perhaps the biggest example of the progress Coach Fritz and Tulane has made comes in the form of Tulane winning the AAC Championship, and defeating USC to win the Cotton Bowl last season.

No, Memphis and Tulane aren't located three time zones away like the most recent additions to the ACC (Stanford and Cal), but both schools would benefit the ACC by adding more depth, diversity, and quality to its membership - and give SMU some familiar travel partners. The ACC could strengthen and secure its future with the addition of two athletic departments that make more sense regionally than others.