If the ACC opts to go the pod route, then I don't see the ACC
using a 3-1 split for the 4 NC schools. Not only does it increase the potential for artificial pairings between the 2 pods, it creates a potential recruiting disadvantage by limiting the access to the important recruiting states. If the ACC decides to shift to pods, then I believe it will be 1 of 3 options:
1. Strictly regional which means the 4 NC schools in 1 pod;
2. Placing 2 NC schools in 2 pods and pairing those 2 pods together; or
3. Use a zipper model by placing 1 school from each region or state (in the case of NC) so all 4 pods have the same access.
If the ACC goes with Option 3, then it could fill in the pods based on natural pairings between the schools while preserving as many of the important rivalries as possible.
Pod A: Notre Dame, Pitt, Wake, GT
Pod B: Louisville, WVU, NC State, Clemson
Pod C: BC, UVA, UNC, FSU
Pod D: Syracuse, VT, Duke, Miami
Pairings: A-B and C-D (teams are placed in order who they are paired with from the other division).
I don't believe the ACC will ever be able to come up with 4 pods that are competitively equal to each other without sacrificing rivalries. Since rivalries is what generates a buzz among fans, then the ACC should use that as its focal point. Purely regional rivalries will generate the most buzz, but it also means that 3 pods will have less access to the southeast region and I don't think the coaches will want to reduce the among of access they have to SC/GA/FL.
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In response to this post by HOO86)
Posted: 09/05/2017 at 3:23PM