As noted earlier, the ACC and Orange Bowl have announced a partnership that will span 12 years beginning in 2014. That matches the start and time span of the new playoff format, of course. This secures a place for the ACC in the newfangled six-bowl "BCS." (A new name for the whole thing is coming at some point.)

Some details on the TV coverage of the Orange Bowl:

ACC confirms that league controls broadcast rights in new Orange Bowl deal.Plan to take to market. Huge game changer.

— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) July 3, 2012

Yeah, that's big. It's the same setup that the Big 12 and SEC have with the new "champions bowl" they've established, I think. The Orange Bowl won't prove as lucrative as that game, but again, this is a good step forward for the ACC.

The ACC should be able to keep at least 50 pct of revenue after it shops the Orange Bowl TV rights

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 3, 2012

I just bought a yacht. And by that I mean three yachts.

If a network lands the Orange Bowl then it would have their semifinal games even if another network signs the "BCS"

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 3, 2012

That will help with negotiations for sure.

Possible opponents for ACC in Orange could include at-large placements from pool including ND

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 3, 2012

It's a no-brainer to involve Notre Dame whenever possible.

Expect the Orange Bowl to be Jan. 1 at 1 pm EVEN if it is a semifinal. That's the plan as of today.

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 3, 2012

If ACC has two teams in Final Four and Orange Bowl is not a semi, a third ACC team would go to Orange

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 3, 2012

Good one, Joe! Real knee-slapper.