quote:
Good to have a Tar Heel in the thread. My read on the ACC politics is that UNC and UVA are the major powerbrokers of the conference. Few questions if you don't mind:

(a) Is that right?
(b) If so, are UNC and UVA more rivalrous or collusive? (Trying to get a feel on whether they'd move to the same conference, whether B1G or SEC)
(c) Would UVA make the first move to kill the ACC?

A - I would say traditionally it's been UNC, UVa, and dook as the big power brokers, but FSU and Clemson have a great deal of sway of late given the league's seemingly "weak" standing. However, it seems most other ACC schools (particularly NCSt administrators and fans) seem to believe that the ACC/UNC have a Texas/Big12 relationship.....

B - Probably both, though the rise of Va Tech has cooled the UNC/UVa rivalry, it is still pretty intense for older fans of each. The football series is actually called "The South's Oldest Rivalry" though I'm sure Auburn/UGa fans would have something to say about that.

C - Yes. If it came to pass, I don't think UNC would want to publicly appear to make the move to kill the ACC. I think if UNC, FSU, UVa, or GT were to make a move elsewhere, it would lead to the eventual collapse of the conference. Of course, other schools would have options, but it seems like those 4 either have open invites to join other conferences (UNC/UVA/GT) or appear motivated to look at other options (FSU).