It's not as if the ACC goes out and dominates their crappy bowl lineup. Heck, back when the Peach Bowl was ACC #2 vs. SEC #5, the SEC still dominated quite often (and not in fluke fashion... but in, they clearly had the better team fashion).

And then even with the Belk/Music City arrangement. Typically it's one of the ACC's better teams facing off against third (or even fourth) quartile SEC teams. And the SEC still gets wins quite a bit.

Not only that, but the ACC schools in general have nowhere near the following of the Big 10. A while back, I researched the school sizes in the leagues. While I don't remember the exact specifics, I do remember that VT was one of the ACC's biggest (third largest IIRC)... but would be one of the smallest in any other P5 league (especially the Big 10). Florida State is the biggest ACC school IIRC... and they'd be around the middle of the Big 10.

The ACC is more of a super-regional league. The other P5 leagues are more national (the Pac-12 is probably the closest to the ACC as far as perception and marketing are concerned). The southern ACC schools (except Clemson) are considered second fiddle to the SEC. The northern ACC schools are considered second fiddle to the Big 10.

Which is why in about 10-12 years, I expect FSU and Clemson to bolt the league (possibly for the Big 12). Hopefully we're able to find a home too... because I don't see the ACC remaining a major league... especially if FSU and/or Clemson bolt for another league.