re: A Real Solution - might be a bit long so be warned

I agree with everything you said in your setup, but when you get to your schedule it seems unnecessarily contrived for a "Two Division" setup. Do exactly what you said, dividing two divisions at the Alabama/Mississippi state line. Each team plays its division 7. This keeps all long term traditional rivalries. Then you rotate 2 teams from the other division every year. This allows each time to play once every four, which is much better than it is now. Below would be an example with some intent towards balance.