In terms of league leadership and overall focus on and support for football, I have no qualms agreeing with you that the ACC lags far behind. And the kowtowing to ND and the weird fuckery with regard to picking teams for the conference champ game are two egregious examples.
In terms of the overall quality of teams, I’m not sure how one can discount bowl games any more than one can discount head-to-head matchups during the season.
Given Miami’s performance in the CFP—as well as in-season games vs ND and a maligned UF team—and the ACC record in bowl games, I’m not sure I see a huge disparity on the field.
I do think that Clemson’s done for as long as Dabo coaches there. And I’m not sold on Norvell turning things around at FSU. And I have zero clue what UNC’s leadership is thinking.
But I do think that Franklin can make an immediate impact at VT. And I think SMU, GT, Duke, UVA, and Pitt will maintain a solid middle ground.