The ACC is going through a very similar path as the Pac. The Pac touted the brands, the tv network, and the academics as superior to the Big 12. And they were right. But they experienced the same fate, actually worse, than the Big 12 when the Big 12 lost its brands. Their arrogance and losing the brands did them in. If the ACC loses its brands, the ACC still would have two things the Pac didn't have: a tv deal and a tv network tied to ESPN. However, the tv deal likely will be renegotiated by ESPN for the brands leaving. The ACC can backfill or try to lure some Big 12 teams, but the ACC would not be in position of strength. There is a solution that would benefit the Big 12 and most of the remaining ACC. VTech, Pitt, NC State, Duke, and Louisville leave with the brands but are able to keep the ACC name and commissioner. This new ACC would invite the Big 12 in its entirety for a 24 team conference. The 23rd and 24th teams are up for debate. ESPN and Fox may make this worthwhile to this new ACC also. Strength in numbers of good teams is the only way to combat the Big 10 and SEC.