Most expected the post-expansion ACC to be a robust conference heavyweight, a league seated with the SEC at the head table of college football competing for media coverage, television ratings and top-level contract dollars. 

In addition to allowing for two six-team divisions and a corresponding conference championship game, expansion added two teams, in Miami and Virginia Tech, with recent national title game appearances and first round draft selections on their resumes.  Teaming with traditional power Florida State, the group was expected to give the league as formidable a lead trio as any conference in the game today. 

While traditional programs like Clemson, Georgia Tech and others would give the league great credibility, Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech would lead the charge into the future.  If the ACC was a spotless new car, the big three were its' glimmering front grill.

A few nicks and love bugs later, depreciation had officially begun.

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