NCSU needed one in 26, and UVA needed one in 25, so they scheduled them. UVA plays at Cal in 25, NCSU at Stanford in 26, so a game that is a 3-4 hour bus trip makes more sense than chartering another flight somewhere.

It no longer matters if you have a few losses, so teams can go for more interesting matchups with OOC games. Or get creative and schedule who they want from conference foes outside of the normal conference schedule. To me, this is the real benefit of the expanded playoffs. More interesting regular seasons. At least I hope that is the way it plays out.

There are several benefits to these types of games: 1) Long-standing series 2) Both schools fan bases can travel to the away game (or at least State's, since UVA fans have a hard enough time showing up for HOME games...) 3) Better / more exciting matchup than most other potential opponents 4) Keeps the visitor's guarantee money in- conference Im sure ESPN is in favor as well since it adds a decent game to their inventory. Personally I wouldn't mind an occasional VT vs GT / UNC / State / Miami / Louisville non conference matchup if a better one couldn't be arranged.

I generally dislike it, but when you're having to fill your schedule with a bunch of cupcakes, I like the idea of playing someone decent that's in the neighborhood, so to speak.

the big boys. What a joke.

with 8 game schedules. There is no reason on earth the ACC teams couldn't handle another game. It would give the ACCN some improved inventory as well.