There are schools that will not be able to keep up with players being paid. Ohio State came out a day after the "settlement" did, and said they would pay their players the maximum amount. I think it is $25M to start. The finances of the different schools, athletic departments, and administration support are as diverse as you can imagine. A lot of schools will not be able to compete, but some really don't care. An example are the MAC schools. it's more important to be FBS for student recruitment than it is to be in a power conference, but every once in a while, a team good enough to compete with the big boys emerges. VT may struggle with the money part to compete at the highest level, but I ask you, when have they not struggled with the money part? SMU got some press and some playoff money for the conference, so out of the gate, VT got some money by adding them. Isn't that what this is all about? SMU will NEVER be a Texas with eyeballs, but I'm not sure anyone thought they would. VT however, can now recruit in Texas, and add that to Florida and California? Not sure what else you can ask for when it comes to recruiting territory. They are an asset to the ACC, they just don't bring VT more media money. If you want the media money, get an invite to the SEC or Big 10, otherwise, find a way to piece a competitive team. It doesn't matter which conference you belong too if you have an invite to the playoffs on the line. Win the dang conference, and you are in the playoffs - it's as simple as that. I'm on an ACC discussion board. I'm not here to say how good the ACC or the B12 is when compared to each other. Conferences do not win national championships, schools do. Could you take the best of the rest not in the P2 and get a better media deal? Sure you could, but that isn't in the cards. Play the cards in your hand, as there really isn't another choice.