Probably best illustrated by a Venn diagram on specific voting issues, but this is my best guess on the core groups.

The "NC Mafia:" UNC, Dook, NCSU and WF. They were large enough to completely control the ACC until the latest expansion. They have two large public schools, and two small private schools...all very different types of schools, and the only thing in common was the desire to wield control over the rest of the conference.

The "Virginias:" VT & UVA. Although fierce opponents on the field/court, probably tied the closest of any group in the conference due to both being very similar in composition: i.e. large public research institutions. I see both schools practically "voting in lockstep" the majority of the time.

The "Southern football group:" CU, F$U, GT, and Louisville. They know where their bread is buttered, specifically where the biggest $s lie, which is football. They will vote football first, BB second.

The "NE group:" UM, BC, Syracuse and Pitt. Remnants of the old Big East. Probably the loosest association of the groups only tied by geography (+ Miami).

The "ND group:" ND.

The NC Mafia ruled the conference with an "iron fist" before the last round of expansion, but their power has been considerably weakened (to the benefit of the conference IMHO).

Thoughts?