In a move that should surprise no one, the ACC has decided not to add a ninth conference game. In the end, fears of additional losses and fewer bowl bids won out. The value of a bowl bid is more than money – there’s additional practice time, television and media exposure, and recruiting credibility. Remember that the next time the "too many bowls" argument comes up. The postseason club might let nearly anyone in the door these days, but there is still a definite inside and outside. Right, South Carolina?

It’s not a scenario exclusive to football. The basketball coaches likewise do not want to expand their conference schedule because bids to the NCAA Tournament can be hard to come by these days. Replacing two or four easier nonconference games with tougher games within the league isn’t likely to add to the win totals of marginal teams.

It is interesting to note that, in both cases, the postseason is driving the decision-making.