(04-29-2013 12:32 PM)ecuacc4ever Wrote:  The biggest problem with attempting to realign the divisions with Maryland in the conference was that Virginia had to be accounted for in that:

a) UVA gets an annual FB game with UNC
b) UVA gets an annual FB game with Maryland, and
c) UVA gets an annual FB game with Virginia Tech (likely by state mandate)

Had any attempt been made to swap Maryland with Virginia Tech, Virginia loses one of its 3 annual games (Maryland).

It could have worked with a Maryland / GT swap...

However, moving Maryland out of the Atlantic would have resulted in the disruption of the most underrated and heated FB rivalry in the conference -- Maryland/NC State (the schools and fans LOVED that game, so that needed to be protected).

Now, with Maryland out of the picture, we can (and will) keep the zipper pattern.

While I take the ADs at their word that they are not interested in re-adjusting, but rather just plugging Louisville in Maryland's spot, if they ever want to re-visit, and maintain their core principles, this could work:

Coastal / Atlantic cross-rival

Duke / Wake Forest
Louisville / Georgia Tech
Miami / FSU
North Carolina / NC State
Pitt / Syracuse
Virginia / Clemson
Virginia Tech / BC

With the only possible complaints coming from VT (in regards to playing BC) and UNC (losing its exposure to the city of Atlanta).

Just say "no" to a N/S alignment. Too many egos to make it work.