Things were looking up for the ACC as recently as a few weeks ago. The conference had poached Pittsburgh and Syracuse from the Big East, which in turn helped it land a new TV deal with ESPN that guarantees each conference member an additional $4 million per year. But ACC Commissioner John Swofford’s empire has come under siege before he could even finish patting himself on the back. Rumors of realignment refuse to subside while new television contracts and playoff plans pose long-term threats to the conference. At this point, it looks like Swofford will be lucky if the ACC is still considered a top conference in two years. (more)