If the ACC is going down (still a big if): then it can be A) every member for itself which cedes all leverage to the SEC/BIg 10 and the networks or B) strategically align with common sense pacts of schools which evens the playing field. In the case of VT we are in a MUCH better position if we align with UVA and complimentary UNC aligns with NCSU (I say NCSU not Duke because that is what the politicians in NC will demand) . Then if the BIG and/or SEC is offered up UVA/VT/UNC NCSU (and possibly Duke) to each conference as an all or nothing- I feel pretty damn good we will end up with a decent situation - which to me means a viable financailly stable conference AND some traditional geographical rivals.