18 Football (ND)

EASTERN - UM, Pitt, SU, BC, ND, Stan (9 games)

ATLANTIC - FSU, Clem, GT, UL, NCSU, SMU (8.5 games)

COASTAL - UNC, Wake, Duke, UVA, VT, Cal (9 games)

Annual cross division: Stan-Cal-SMU, FSU-UM, Clem-VT, GT-UVA, UL-Pitt, NCSU-UNC, Duke-SU, Wake-BC

ND annuals: EASTERN division, rotate 1 COASTAL


This idea should be straight forward, there is no new members, ND is slotted in the EASTERN division playing mostly their historical opponents with their current 6 game schedule. The missing 3 games is taken from the ATLANTIC in which they get to play 7 home games annually (if they wish). This is a very tough division with a good grouping of synergetic schools, so I figure it is a more than acceptable tradeoff. Clemson gets VT as an annual in this deal for their cooperation in this matter.

Stan-Cal-SMU will play one another annually which gives them a total of 7 annual games. Most of these matchups pass the eyeball test in a best possible outcome scenario.

The genius behind this model is that ND shares the travel load having to go to Miami, Syracuse, Boston and Palo Alto while the other divisions are regionalized and plays more of their traditional opponents which ought to cut down on travel expenses and sell more tickets.

Does this satisfy the top brands? I think it does a great job maximizing fan base interest and television ratings across the ACC as well as solves the 7 home game issue for FSU and Clemson, trading conferences will get you back to 6.5 home games, so would be a better situation. The money (hello ESPN) needs to reflect the value of the product which I believe is better than the current thing.

Another thing is, the extra 3 home games a year will add some needed extra ACCN or CW content for the expanded regular season.


The biggest limitation is that it does nothing to help the struggling ACC basketball or adds a new ACCN market, but these are cans that can be kicked down the road for a little while longer just as long as the ACC coalesces in the short term. And, this will likely cause some conference mates to have to play each other as OOC games or do a 1 off game at someplace to fill their 10 P game quota. Overall rating 9/10.

So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

If you’re a big brand like FSU and Clemson, it won’t be difficult to find a suitable OOC game to replace ND and I don’t think UL and GT would either especially with the requirement for all P conference members to play 10 P games. The 7 guaranteed home games is valuable in itself. Of course, if ND wants to play a 7th ACC game vs the ATLANTIC, I won’t stop them.

(10-01-2026 06:34 PM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

If you’re a big brand like FSU and Clemson, it won’t be difficult to find a suitable OOC game to replace ND and I don’t think UL and GT would either especially with the requirement for all P conference members to play 10 P games. The 7 guaranteed home games is valuable in itself. Of course, if ND wants to play a 7th ACC game vs the ATLANTIC, I won’t stop them.

It was tough scheduling big brands before we all went to 9 games. Indiana bought out of our 3 game series before we went to 9 games. Since then, Georgia has. Hopefully we can keep A&M but I’m not holding my breath. After that, all we have is UK.

(10-01-2026 07:15 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 06:34 PM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

If you’re a big brand like FSU and Clemson, it won’t be difficult to find a suitable OOC game to replace ND and I don’t think UL and GT would either especially with the requirement for all P conference members to play 10 P games. The 7 guaranteed home games is valuable in itself. Of course, if ND wants to play a 7th ACC game vs the ATLANTIC, I won’t stop them.

It was tough scheduling big brands before we all went to 9 games. Indiana bought out of our 3 game series before we went to 9 games. Since then, Georgia has. Hopefully we can keep A&M but I’m not holding my breath. After that, all we have is UK.

Indiana or any other B1G team can't wimp out anymore with the new playoff requirement.

(10-01-2026 08:17 PM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 07:15 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 06:34 PM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

If you’re a big brand like FSU and Clemson, it won’t be difficult to find a suitable OOC game to replace ND and I don’t think UL and GT would either especially with the requirement for all P conference members to play 10 P games. The 7 guaranteed home games is valuable in itself. Of course, if ND wants to play a 7th ACC game vs the ATLANTIC, I won’t stop them.

It was tough scheduling big brands before we all went to 9 games. Indiana bought out of our 3 game series before we went to 9 games. Since then, Georgia has. Hopefully we can keep A&M but I’m not holding my breath. After that, all we have is UK.

Indiana or any other B1G team can't wimp out anymore with the new playoff requirement.

The B1G will likely go to 10 conference games to avoid it.

(10-01-2026 08:37 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 08:17 PM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 07:15 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 06:34 PM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

If you’re a big brand like FSU and Clemson, it won’t be difficult to find a suitable OOC game to replace ND and I don’t think UL and GT would either especially with the requirement for all P conference members to play 10 P games. The 7 guaranteed home games is valuable in itself. Of course, if ND wants to play a 7th ACC game vs the ATLANTIC, I won’t stop them.

It was tough scheduling big brands before we all went to 9 games. Indiana bought out of our 3 game series before we went to 9 games. Since then, Georgia has. Hopefully we can keep A&M but I’m not holding my breath. After that, all we have is UK.

Indiana or any other B1G team can't wimp out anymore with the new playoff requirement.

The B1G will likely go to 10 conference games to avoid it.

Good, commit ratings suicide.

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Stanford)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Stanford)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Stanford)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

This looks interesting. I wonder if the Irish would be good with it.

(10-01-2026 07:15 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  It was tough scheduling big brands before we all went to 9 games. Indiana bought out of our 3 game series before we went to 9 games. Since then, Georgia has. Hopefully we can keep A&M but I’m not holding my breath. After that, all we have is UK.

Scheduling OOC A4 opponents is only going to get tougher, yes, with the new CFP requirement.

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

Interesting concept.
Will Notre Dame still be able to claim that they are independent?

The original intent was to cut down the number of games vs SU, BC, Pitt and Stan by having ND play them annually instead since most members seem to not care as much about those games.

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

I would switch GT and Clemson and maybe cut down on the protected rivalries (particularly for BC, Cuse, and Pitt), but I love this concept.

(10-02-2026 04:33 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

Interesting concept.
Will Notre Dame still be able to claim that they are independent?

I would think so. I don’t think it would cause any more problems than we have now. This would be more of a scheduling rotation for the Irish. Do we count ND as a conference game? The Irish would have to consider playing 6 ACC games though if they wanted to include Stanford or Cal. That’s their problem.

18 Football (ND v.2)

EASTERN - UM, Pitt, SU, BC, ND, Stan (9 games)

ATLANTIC - FSU, Clem, VT, UL, NCSU, SMU (8.5 games)

COASTAL - UNC, Wake, Duke, UVA, GT, Cal (9 games)

Annual cross division: Stan-Cal-SMU, FSU-UM, Clem-GT, VT-UVA, UL-Pitt, NCSU-UNC, Duke-SU, Wake-BC

ND annuals: EASTERN division, rotate 1 COASTAL


A slightly different variation of the same concept, this time with GT and VT trading places. I think this would please Louisville and NCSU more and is sorta same-ish for FSU and Clemson, though from a markets penetration perspective, this might be better for FSU since both FSU and Clemson have some market penetration into Georgia already. If getting that 7th home game is important to GT, then they may like the other version better. Another issue is that the COASTAL does not have good football attendance, I think VT would have helped more so than GT.

(10-03-2026 06:43 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  18 Football (ND v.2)

EASTERN - UM, Pitt, SU, BC, ND, Stan (9 games)

ATLANTIC - FSU, Clem, VT, UL, NCSU, SMU (8.5 games)

COASTAL - UNC, Wake, Duke, UVA, GT, Cal (9 games)

Annual cross division: Stan-Cal-SMU, FSU-UM, Clem-GT, VT-UVA, UL-Pitt, NCSU-UNC, Duke-SU, Wake-BC

ND annuals: EASTERN division, rotate 1 COASTAL


A slightly different variation of the same concept, this time with GT and VT trading places. I think this would please Louisville and NCSU more and is sorta same-ish for FSU and Clemson, though from a markets penetration perspective, this might be better for FSU since both FSU and Clemson have some market penetration into Georgia already. If getting that 7th home game is important to GT, then they may like the other version better. Another issue is that the COASTAL does not have good football attendance, I think VT would have helped more so than GT.

Your forgetting that ND & Clemson have that multi year deal to play each other. I can also guarantee you that every team in this Atlantic division would love to play ND. The Irish brings packed stadiums & a rating bonanza. You can count on ESPN wanting ND v FSU & Clemson as well. Denying anyone the chance to play ND is a non starter for me.

(10-03-2026 07:36 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 06:43 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  18 Football (ND v.2)

EASTERN - UM, Pitt, SU, BC, ND, Stan (9 games)

ATLANTIC - FSU, Clem, VT, UL, NCSU, SMU (8.5 games)

COASTAL - UNC, Wake, Duke, UVA, GT, Cal (9 games)

Annual cross division: Stan-Cal-SMU, FSU-UM, Clem-GT, VT-UVA, UL-Pitt, NCSU-UNC, Duke-SU, Wake-BC

ND annuals: EASTERN division, rotate 1 COASTAL


A slightly different variation of the same concept, this time with GT and VT trading places. I think this would please Louisville and NCSU more and is sorta same-ish for FSU and Clemson, though from a markets penetration perspective, this might be better for FSU since both FSU and Clemson have some market penetration into Georgia already. If getting that 7th home game is important to GT, then they may like the other version better. Another issue is that the COASTAL does not have good football attendance, I think VT would have helped more so than GT.

Your forgetting that ND & Clemson have that multi year deal to play each other. I can also guarantee you that every team in this Atlantic division would love to play ND. The Irish brings packed stadiums & a rating bonanza. You can count on ESPN wanting ND v FSU & Clemson as well. Denying anyone the chance to play ND is a non starter for me.

I did not forget, I chose to break that contract. Would you prefer if Louisville was in the COASTAL?

(10-03-2026 08:11 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 07:36 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 06:43 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  18 Football (ND v.2)

EASTERN - UM, Pitt, SU, BC, ND, Stan (9 games)

ATLANTIC - FSU, Clem, VT, UL, NCSU, SMU (8.5 games)

COASTAL - UNC, Wake, Duke, UVA, GT, Cal (9 games)

Annual cross division: Stan-Cal-SMU, FSU-UM, Clem-GT, VT-UVA, UL-Pitt, NCSU-UNC, Duke-SU, Wake-BC

ND annuals: EASTERN division, rotate 1 COASTAL


A slightly different variation of the same concept, this time with GT and VT trading places. I think this would please Louisville and NCSU more and is sorta same-ish for FSU and Clemson, though from a markets penetration perspective, this might be better for FSU since both FSU and Clemson have some market penetration into Georgia already. If getting that 7th home game is important to GT, then they may like the other version better. Another issue is that the COASTAL does not have good football attendance, I think VT would have helped more so than GT.

Your forgetting that ND & Clemson have that multi year deal to play each other. I can also guarantee you that every team in this Atlantic division would love to play ND. The Irish brings packed stadiums & a rating bonanza. You can count on ESPN wanting ND v FSU & Clemson as well. Denying anyone the chance to play ND is a non starter for me.

I did not forget, I chose to break that contract. Would you prefer if Louisville was in the COASTAL?

Give the Atlantic ND & it might have a chance.

(10-03-2026 08:24 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 08:11 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 07:36 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 06:43 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  18 Football (ND v.2)

EASTERN - UM, Pitt, SU, BC, ND, Stan (9 games)

ATLANTIC - FSU, Clem, VT, UL, NCSU, SMU (8.5 games)

COASTAL - UNC, Wake, Duke, UVA, GT, Cal (9 games)

Annual cross division: Stan-Cal-SMU, FSU-UM, Clem-GT, VT-UVA, UL-Pitt, NCSU-UNC, Duke-SU, Wake-BC

ND annuals: EASTERN division, rotate 1 COASTAL


A slightly different variation of the same concept, this time with GT and VT trading places. I think this would please Louisville and NCSU more and is sorta same-ish for FSU and Clemson, though from a markets penetration perspective, this might be better for FSU since both FSU and Clemson have some market penetration into Georgia already. If getting that 7th home game is important to GT, then they may like the other version better. Another issue is that the COASTAL does not have good football attendance, I think VT would have helped more so than GT.

Your forgetting that ND & Clemson have that multi year deal to play each other. I can also guarantee you that every team in this Atlantic division would love to play ND. The Irish brings packed stadiums & a rating bonanza. You can count on ESPN wanting ND v FSU & Clemson as well. Denying anyone the chance to play ND is a non starter for me.

I did not forget, I chose to break that contract. Would you prefer if Louisville was in the COASTAL?

Give the Atlantic ND & it might have a chance.

ND has a lot more history with the EASTERN teams. If it’s any consolation, this arrangement would be in place until the ACC stabilizes and poaches a B12 team of choice. Ideally, the ACC would have 18 full football members.

(10-03-2026 08:53 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 08:24 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 08:11 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 07:36 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-03-2026 06:43 AM)Garrettabc Wrote:  18 Football (ND v.2)

EASTERN - UM, Pitt, SU, BC, ND, Stan (9 games)

ATLANTIC - FSU, Clem, VT, UL, NCSU, SMU (8.5 games)

COASTAL - UNC, Wake, Duke, UVA, GT, Cal (9 games)

Annual cross division: Stan-Cal-SMU, FSU-UM, Clem-GT, VT-UVA, UL-Pitt, NCSU-UNC, Duke-SU, Wake-BC

ND annuals: EASTERN division, rotate 1 COASTAL


A slightly different variation of the same concept, this time with GT and VT trading places. I think this would please Louisville and NCSU more and is sorta same-ish for FSU and Clemson, though from a markets penetration perspective, this might be better for FSU since both FSU and Clemson have some market penetration into Georgia already. If getting that 7th home game is important to GT, then they may like the other version better. Another issue is that the COASTAL does not have good football attendance, I think VT would have helped more so than GT.

Your forgetting that ND & Clemson have that multi year deal to play each other. I can also guarantee you that every team in this Atlantic division would love to play ND. The Irish brings packed stadiums & a rating bonanza. You can count on ESPN wanting ND v FSU & Clemson as well. Denying anyone the chance to play ND is a non starter for me.

I did not forget, I chose to break that contract. Would you prefer if Louisville was in the COASTAL?

Give the Atlantic ND & it might have a chance.

ND has a lot more history with the EASTERN teams. If it’s any consolation, this arrangement would be in place until the ACC stabilizes and poaches a B12 team of choice. Ideally, the ACC would have 18 full football members.

You can leave them in the Eastern but rotate them through the Atlantic. Taking ND away from FSU & Clemson will only leave them even more disgruntled.

(10-01-2026 06:04 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  So the Atlantic division wouldn’t play ND? I don’t see that happening.

A simpler method would be to rotate ND, Stanford & Cal through the 3 divisions.

North:
Pitt, Syracuse, BC, Miami, Louisville (ND/Cal/Standord)

Coastal:
Clemson, NC, Duke, Virginia, VT (ND/Cal/Standord)

Atlantic:
FSU, GT, NC State, SMU, WF (ND/Cal/Standord)

Protected Rivals:
FSU- Miami & Clemson
Miami- FSU & VT
Clemson- FSU & Syracuse
VT- Miami & GT
GT- VT & Pitt
NC- NC State & Pitt
Duke- WF & BC
NC State- NC & Syracuse
WF- Duke & BC
Louisville- SMU & Virginia
Virginia- Louisville & WF
Pitt- NC & SMU
Syracuse- Clemson & NC State
BC- Duke & WF
SMU- Louisville, Stanford & Cal
Cal- Stanford & SMU
Stanford- Cal $ SMU
ND-

Great divisions and concept. No need for all the permanent rivals out of division for many teams.