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At 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, there will be a hearing in Upper Marlboro, Md., that should provide more information about the ongoing legal dispute between Maryland and the ACC.

Maryland intends to leave the ACC and play in the Big Ten in 2014, but the ACC intends to get every penny of the league's $52 million exit fee from the Terps. As of right now, the argument is at a standstill as the courts determine where this case will be tried -- in North Carolina or Maryland. Thursday's hearing will be focused on the ACC's attempt to dismiss the suit in Maryland.

The Maryland attorney general's office has forwarded ESPN.com three documents which help provide some context to their arguments. Based on the information in those documents, here's a look at both sides:

MARYLAND'S SIDE

Maryland writes that it is "seeking relief" from the ACC's intentions to "penalize the University of Maryland, College Park, its students, coaches and fans, and deny it the significant benefits of moving to the Big Ten Conference in 2014."

Maryland claims that "the ACC’s motion to dismiss is fundamentally flawed," and, "the ACC's legal arguments fare no better."

More from Maryland's Complaint:

"Through the illegal and improper conduct outlined in the Complaint, the ACC aims to send a message of deterrence to any other member school that might consider withdrawing from the conference -- any such attempts to do so will be met with harsh penalties. The ACC’s actions have resulted in the significant on-going and future damages suffered by the University.

The extensive factual allegations pleaded in the Complaint demonstrate that, if proven, the ACC’s actions constitute an illegal restraint of trade in violation of the Maryland Antitrust Act, tortiously interfere with Maryland’s contractual relationships and breach the ACC’s contractual commitments to Maryland as a member of the conference. These claims entitle Maryland to recover compensatory and punitive damages and to obtain injunctive relief against the ACC’s actions."

Maryland is claiming that the ACC is violating an antitrust law:

"Maryland’s Complaint pleads a viable antitrust claim because the ACC’s imposition of a $52 million withdrawal penalty is the direct effect of a horizontal conspiracy intended to and resulting in harm to competition. As pleaded, the withdrawal penalty constitutes an illegal restraint of trade in violation of § 11-204 of the Commercial Law Article."

"The ACC’s constitutional argument is premised on a misapplication of cases applicable to truly national sports organizations and to rules of those organizations that are uniformly applied and essential to producing a nationwide product. Neither circumstance exists here."

THE ACC's SIDE

The ACC writes that "This lawsuit violates the United States Constitution, is deficient on its merits, and is being pursued in the wrong forum. It therefore should be dismissed."

"In addition to being unconstitutional, plaintiffs' antitrust claim is deficient on its face because they have failed to plead, as is their burden, that the ACC unreasonably has restrained competition in any relevant product or geographic market or that the ACC has caused an injury to competition that is distinct from any harm that it has purportedly suffered in its individual capacity. And plaintiffs' tortious interference claim is deficient on its face because it fails in several respects to satisfy the elements of that cause of action under either Maryland or North Carolina law.

This lawsuit also should be dismissed because North Carolina is a more appropriate and convenient forum for this dispute."

The ACC makes its argument to have the case tried in North Carolina, writing that "all of the operative events took place in North Carolina, far more witnesses are located in North Carolina than any other state, and the dispute will be governed by North Carolina law."

As for Maryland's argument that these are not "truly national sports organizations," the ACC writes that:

"Simply put, sports leagues like the ACC are different from most commercial actors because their very nature requires that they be regulated on a national level if they are to exist at all."

Thursday's hearing won't tell us whether or not Maryland will have to pay up, but it is another step in what should be a long process.

ACC baseball!

• Former Arkansas quarterback Brandon Mitchell is ready to compete for a starting job at NC State.
• The ACC has a few freaks -- and that's a good thing.
• Miami defensive end Ricardo Williams is no longer on the team.
• Athlon Sports is all over the Tigers today as their No. 6 team in the country.
• Former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller might be getting more touches with the Bills this year.
• Can Syracuse coach Scott Shafer have better luck recruiting New York, New Jersey and PA?
• How will the pay scale for Maryland's assistants compare with their peers in the Big Ten?

As the season slooowwly creeps up on us and we enter what will be the final season in the current BCS system, ESPN.com is taking some time today to reflect on how each conference has overachieved and underachieved during the BCS era. History reminds us it's impossible to predict how the season will play out. Who will disappoint? Who will exceed our expectations?

Since 1998, when the BCS began, here’s a look at five things each the ACC has done to overachieve and underachieve during that span:

Five best overachieved

1. Wake Forest in the 2007 Orange Bowl. The 2006 Deacs were the Cinderella of the BCS that year, the smallest school in the BCS making big history under coach Jim Grobe. The unheralded team defeated Georgia Tech 9-6 to win the program’s second ACC football championship (and its first since 1970). The Demon Deacons' nine points were by far the fewest ever scored by a winning team in a Division 1-A title game. Wake Forest earned the program’s first trip to a BCS game.

2. Ralph Friedgen winning 31 games in his first three seasons. In 2001, Friedgen became the first coach in league history to win the ACC title in his first year as head coach, and he was a consensus choice for national coach of the year. With the players he inherited from Ron Vanderlinden, Friedgen had three straight seasons of at least 10 wins each -- unprecedented success in the program’s history.

3. ACC conning Notre Dame into affiliation. It was a major coup for commissioner John Swofford, who convinced the Irish to join the ACC in all sports but football, and to commit to an agreement to play five annual football games against the ACC, beginning in 2014. It was a critical step in stabilizing the future of the conference.

4. 2007 Boston College: The Eagles were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country that year after rallying to beat Virginia Tech in late October. Jeff Jagodzinski had one of the most successful first seasons in school history, as he guided the team to 11 wins, including a win against Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl. It was the first time BC had won 11 games since 1940.

5. Joe Hamilton Heisman runner-up. Georgia Tech’s quarterback finished second in the 1999 Heisman Trophy voting, an impressive accomplishment for a player listed at 5’10, 190 pounds. While many doubted his pro potential because of his size, there was no questioning his accomplishments with the Yellow Jackets. The ACC’s all-time leader in total offense with 10,640 yards led the Jackets to an 18-5 record over his last 23 games, including a share of the 1998 ACC championship.

Five worst underachieved

1. Florida State’s 2012 loss to NC State. The Seminoles’ 17-16 loss at NC State last year was unforgettable, and to some FSU fans, probably unforgivable. The Noles were ranked No. 3 in the country at the time and finally being taken seriously as a national-title contender again when it all slipped away in the fourth quarter in Raleigh. Despite the ACC title and Orange Bowl win, there will always be a sense of what could have been had FSU not squandered a 16-0 halftime lead.

2. The ACC’s 3-13 record in BCS bowls. Despite all of the NFL draft picks the conference has produced, despite all of the elite recruits the league lured in, the ACC spent the BCS era digging itself a gaping hole it could never climb out of in the current system. Florida State, Virginia Tech and Clemson combined for a 3-10 record in BCS bowls.

3. Miami’s mediocrity. Five national titles -- and yet not one Coastal Division crown. When Miami joined the ACC on July 1, 2004, league officials thought the perennial power would be an instant upgrade. Instead, Miami’s mediocrity has been its main storyline, and more recently, its saga involving the NCAA has overshadowed any success Al Golden has had on the field. Since joining the ACC, Miami has had three different head coaches and hasn’t been able to win more than nine games or finish better than second place in the division. When Miami is great again, the ACC will be, too.

4. Clemson’s collapse in 2008. The Tigers entered the season as the No. 9 team in the country and finished with a thud at 7-6. The downward spiral began in the opener against Alabama, when Clemson had zero yards rushing on 14 attempts. Despite the dynamic duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and standout receiver Jacoby Ford, Clemson lost three straight to Maryland, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech, and former coach Tommy Bowden resigned mid-season. It couldn’t have gone much worse for a team that began with such high expectations.

5. FSU vs. the best since its last BCS appearance. Since 2000, when Florida State last played for a national title, the Seminoles are 18-24 against opponents ranked in the Associated Press top 25, and that includes a win against Northern Illinois in the Discover Orange Bowl. Despite playing in two national championship games in the BCS era, Florida State was unable to translate that success into a winning record against ranked opponents.

100 days and counting ...

• The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Virginia Tech-Maryland game scheduled for 2014 in M&T Bank Stadium is off because the Terps are heading to the Big Ten.
• Former FSU coach Bobby Bowden is preparing for a return trip to Tally.
• The quarterback situation at NC State just got more interesting with the addition of Arkansas transfer Brandon Mitchell.
• Paul Johnson disputes the criticism that playing against his offense in practice hurts his defense.
• A rivalry between Clemson and Pittsburgh is unlikely.
• Memo to North Carolina -- these are the rings you want.
• Virginia Tech's video board is coming down to be replaced.
• Clemson got a commitment from a running back, according to a few reports.

As of today, there are 100 days until the start of the college football season.

You bet we’re counting.

If you’re Scot Loeffler, Virginia Tech's new offensive coordinator, 100 days must feel like a nanosecond. The Hokies aren’t the only ones, though, with plenty of work to do before the season begins. Here’s a checklist of five things the ACC and its teams must accomplish before the opening kickoff:

1. Name starting quarterbacks. Syracuse can’t even talk about Oklahoma transfer Drew Allen yet because he’s not on campus and won’t enroll until next month, but the Orange are just one of several teams in the ACC that still have an ongoing quarterback competition. Virginia’s quarterback controversy has seemingly gone on for years, and Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has yet to officially anoint Jameis Winston as EJ Manuel’s successor. Pitt is also still searching for a dependable leader, along with NC State.

2. Find an offense in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech has become one of the ACC’s brand-name programs, a consistent winner and a representative in the Top 25 and BCS standings. That changed last season when the Hokies bumbled their way through their most disappointing season in 20 years. Coach Frank Beamer made sweeping changes to his offensive staff, but little improvement was seen in the spring game. Loeffler said it wasn’t a true indication of the progress that was made in the other 13 practices, but also conceded there is still a lot of work to be done. With Alabama looming in the season opener, all eyes will be on the ACC in Week 1. When the Hokies are good, the ACC is better.

3. Improve defensively. With the exception of Florida State, which finished the season ranked No. 6 in the country in scoring defense, 2012 wasn’t a banner year for ACC defenses. The conference usually has some of the nation’s best defenses -- including Boston College -- but there was no Luke Kuechly and no identity for the Eagles last fall. Miami beat Duke 52-45. Georgia Tech beat North Carolina 68-50. Clemson beat NC State 62-48. Clemson took a major step forward defensively with its bowl win against LSU, but the defense must become elite in its second season under coordinator Brent Venables if Clemson is going to be a national-title contender.

4. Minimize the turnovers. Virginia Tech was No. 86 in turnover margin last year, and quarterback Logan Thomas threw three picks in the spring game. Boston College was No. 88 in the country in turnover margin, FSU No. 93, NC State No. 99, Maryland No. 104, Virginia No. 110. That’s almost half the league ranked among the worst in the country in turnover margin. The Hokies play Alabama. Virginia plays Oregon. BC plays at USC. FSU is at Florida, and the Seminoles turned it over five times versus the Gators in FSU's 37-26 loss last year. The Gators scored 10 points off turnovers in that game. If the ACC is going to stand a chance, it can’t give away freebies.

5. Stay out of the trainer’s room. Virginia Tech standout corner Antone Exum is still rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered in a pickup basketball game. The bulk of Wake Forest’s offensive line was walking wounded all spring, and that group will make or break the Deacons' season. Clemson backup quarterback Chad Kelly and starting tight end Sam Cooper both tore their ACLs this spring. If the ACC is going to beat the best this fall, it needs its best players on the field. For some programs, like Boston College, the depth isn’t there to afford injuries.

Have a great weekend!

• Good vibes abound at the ACC spring meetings, but decisions were scarce.
• The potential for an ACC Network was discussed as well, but nothing is imminent.
• Mike Bianchi of The Orlando Sentinel says Jimbo Fisher must make Matthew Thomas live up to his commitment.
• Florida State and DeMarcus Ware are still playing the NCAA Clearinghouse waiting game.
• Thumbs up or thumbs down to Maryland's first Big Ten schedule?
• Miami coach Al Golden talks once again about how the NCAA cloud hanging over the program has taken a toll.
• NC State has landed a commitment from an intriguing quarterback prospect.
• Incoming Syracuse offensive lineman Kendall Moore promises to be worth the wait.
• Despite Clifton Richardson's decision to transfer, Virginia does have depth at running back. Virginia continues to chase after quarterbacks.
• Virginia Tech continues leading the way in research for safer football helmets.

Heather Dinich talks about the Terps' top performer this spring.

Maryland is set to lead a double life until it joins the Big Ten, with one foot in the ACC and another in the Big Ten.

Case in point -- Randy Edsall was at the ACC spring meetings, while athletic director Kevin Anderson was at the Big Ten spring meetings in Chicago at the same time. Though the focus for this season is on the ACC schedule, Maryland already has its first Big Ten schedule for 2014 as the league announced its first 14-team conference slate Thursday.

Maryland plays its first Big Ten game Sept. 27, 2014 at Indiana, easing into conference play. But there is no easing into anything the following week, as the Terps play their first Big Ten home game against Ohio State on Oct. 4 -- the first meeting between the programs.

Here is a look at the rest of the 2014 schedule:

Sept. 27 at Indiana
Oct. 4 Ohio State
Oct. 18 Iowa
Oct. 25 at Wisconsin
Nov. 1 at Penn State
Nov. 15 Michigan State
Nov. 22 at Michigan
Nov. 29 Rutgers

The current bowl math doesn’t favor the expanded version of the ACC.

With eight bowls and 14 teams in the conference, that means only 57 percent of the ACC will make the postseason this year, at most.

3682361With 14 teams in the conference, including Pittsburgh and Syracuse, there has to be more than the current eight guaranteed bowl slots moving forward, but what number will constitute the “sweet spot” ACC commissioner John Swofford said he is looking for? Especially considering how Notre Dame will soon be elbowing its way into the league’s bowl lineup and taking one of those coveted spots? (If Notre Dame is ranked higher than or equal to an ACC bowl-eligible team, or is within one victory of a bowl eligible team, the Irish can be selected for that bowl spot.) Swofford recently told ESPN.com that the league could increase its bowl tie-ins to nine or 10 games. Will that be enough? Too many?

Last year, when the SEC went to 14 teams, it added the Independence Bowl as its 10th bowl tie in, but only nine teams qualified, and one -- Alabama -- was playing in the national championship. With the new College Football Playoff system to start in 2014, the ACC will have to replace the Chick-fil-A Bowl in its lineup, as that bowl will be one of the host bowls in the playoff. The ACC also has to consider the possibility of having a team in the playoff. It also has to acknowledge the reality of having only eight bowl-eligible teams on average:

ACC’s bowl eligible teams during 12-team era

2012: 6 (not including UNC and Miami, which were ineligible)

2011: 9

2010: 9

2009: 7

2008: 10 (ACC record)

2007: 8

2006: 8

2005: 8

The number of bowl games is currently up for debate. Cast your votes now.

More from Amelia Island today.

• ESPNU 150 receiver Demarre Kitt is going to choose between Clemson, Ohio State and Tennessee on June 10.
• Here is an early look at how Duke's recruiting class is shaping up.
• Athlon Sports asks, "How many games will Florida State win in 2013?" Here is an early Seminoles preview.
• Running back Johnathan Thomas talks about his decision to commit to Maryland.
• Miami coach Al Golden just wants closure from the NCAA. The Hurricanes' new athletics facility is nearly complete.
• Pitt coach Paul Chryst says he is holding his players to higher standards.
• Syracuse is one of the many schools vying for a commitment from defensive end Thomas Holley, quickly rising up recruiting rankings.
• Virginia and Virginia Tech try to balance business and football with their nonconference scheduling.

CHICAGO -- Maryland has made no secret of the fact that money played a huge role in its move from the ACC to the Big Ten.

The school's athletic program cut seven varsity sports last June to offset the department's multimillion-dollar deficit. In announcing the Big Ten move, Maryland president Wallace Loh said he never again wanted to tell student-athletes that their sport couldn't be funded. The Big Ten's massive financial projections ultimately were too good for Maryland, a founding member of the ACC, to pass up.

Maryland is working toward reaching stable financial footing again.

"It isn't finalized yet, but we're looking at probably by 2017 or 2018 that we'll be able to balance the budget and be stable financially," athletic director Kevin Anderson said Tuesday.

Maryland won't get a full Big Ten revenue share until it has been in the league for five years, Anderson said. The same holds true for Nebraska, which joined in 2011.

Anderson talked about the challenges the Big Ten presents for Maryland and the financial commitment the school must make to compete, especially in football. The Terrapins will be in the same division as Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State beginning in 2014.

"We're looking at places where we might have to make more of an impact," Anderson said. "At some point, we know we will have to make a bigger commitment than what we're making now."

Some Maryland fans initially expressed disappointment about the Big Ten move because the Terps will leave behind many of their longtime rivals in the ACC. But Anderson sees fans warming up to the new league.

"One of the things that excites them and our student-athletes is they know when they travel, they're going to play in front of a lot of people," Anderson said. "That hasn't always been the case with the ACC."

Stay tuned for updates from the spring meetings.

• Here are a few notes from Day 1.
• Several ACC records are in reach for Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd.
• Injured Duke receiver Blair Holliday will enroll in summer classes.
• Will Myles Autry join his brother on the Georgia Tech football team?
• Here is a Maryland recruiting update from Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post.
• Miami picked up a commitment from quarterback Brad Kaaya, but commit Alin Edouard is wavering.
• Torry Holt has been selected for the NC State Hall of Fame.
• Who else deserves to have their jersey retired at Syracuse?
• Andy Bitter of the Virginian-Pilot recaps how the Virginia Tech defensive line did this spring.

Headed to the ACC spring meetings in Amelia Island, Fla.

• Quarterback Deshaun Watson is committed to Clemson, but that hasn't stopped a long line of schools from keeping up their sales pitches.
• Duke receiver Blair Holliday honored the woman who saved his life.
• The AJC catches up with Georgia Tech signee Travis Custis.
• Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald has an item on Miami's pursuit of a few quarterbacks in his notes column.
• Former Maryland defensive end A.J. Francis wrote a farewell guest column in the student newspaper.
• Larry Fedora talks about his vision for the future, playing South Carolina and facing Jadeveon Clowney.
• Three players from the class of 2012 are leaving the Pitt football team.
• Former Syracuse great Donovan McNabb tweets that the school will retire his jersey this season.
• Former Virginia lineman Oday Aboushi blazes a new trail as one of a handful of Palestinian-Americans in the NFL.
• Here is a quick recap of the Virginia Tech offensive line after spring practice.

Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the ACC:

Boston College Eagles
What they're selling: B.C. has a metropolitan area to sell prospects. There are several top professional sports teams to enhance the college atmosphere.
What they're missing: Other than Matt Ryan, B.C. hasn't had great success and they were only marginally successful when he was there. Also, the professional sports teams in the area limit exposure for B.C.

Clemson Tigers
What they're selling: Clemson sports a beautiful campus in a picturesque area of the country. Head coach Dabo Swinney's public demeanor must appeal to prospects as well.
What they're missing: Other than enjoying college life, there's not a lot to do nearby. Despite high expectations, Clemson still hasn't produced championship results.

Duke Blue Devils
What they're selling: Education, first and foremost. Quarterbacks should also appreciate the chance to be tutored by head coach David Cutcliffe, who has coached Peyton and Eli Manning.
What they're missing: Because of academic requirements, there will always be a ceiling of success at Duke. Also Duke football will always play second fiddle to Duke basketball.

Florida State Seminoles
What they're selling: Florida State has a brand that is known nationally. They also have the ability to win at a high level thanks to nearby talent.
What they're missing: Other than a refurbished stadium, facilities at Florida State aren't great. The Seminoles also have the tough challenge of recruiting against nearby SEC schools.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
What they're selling: Tech prospects often laud Atlanta and its big-city feel. With a campus downtown, there's plenty to do. Sports-wise, there are plenty of professional teams to enjoy.
What they're missing: Exposure is the toughest challenge for Tech. Georgia Tech is overshadowed by local pro teams and nearby Georgia.

Maryland Terrapins
What they're selling: Since Randy Edsall took over as head coach, the Terrapins have had good success wooing local prospects. Under Armour has helped. Following the Oregon model, Maryland has won prospects over with flashy uniforms.
What they're missing: Winning is the biggest knock on Edsall's regime at Maryland. Despite all the hype, he has posted two losing seasons.

Miami Hurricanes
What they're selling: Coral Gables isn't a bad place to live. Miami's educational offerings are a plus too. Miami's greatest advantage is the local talent who grows up rooting for the Canes.
What they're missing: The continued wrangling between Miami and the NCAA about possible improper benefits to players has to scare some prospects. Miami also has struggled recently. They're not the high-flying team that was once so dominant.

North Carolina Tar Heels
What they're selling: Coach Larry Fedora's offense has excited prospects. It seems to sell well to skill-position players. Yet offensive linemen have also been enticed since they can perfect pass-blocking while still being physical.
What they're missing: Fedora will have to prove he can win at a high level to convince nearby prospects to stay close to home. North Carolina basketball will always overshadow North Carolina football.

North Carolina State Wolfpack
What they're selling: The Wolfpack have been selling early playing time to prospects recently. That always resonates with high school players.
What they're missing: The Wolfpack have so much nearby competition that it's tough to see them recruiting at an elite level. North Carolina is the state school. Duke and Wake Forest can offer elite educations. Where does N.C. State fit in?

Pittsburgh Panthers
What they're selling: Pitt has a metropolitan city with several professional team to sell. Coach Paul Chryst also relates to prospects well.
What they're missing: Competition for media coverage in Pittsburgh can be tough.

Syracuse Orange
What they're selling: Syracuse offers prospects from a talent-rich area the opportunity to stay close to home. There's also the Syracuse basketball team that keeps the school on a national sports stage.
What they're missing: Just when it seemed like Syracuse was up and coming, it lost coach Doug Marrone to the Buffalo Bills.

Virginia Cavaliers
What they're selling: Virginia coach Mike London has done an incredible job of relating to prospects. He's tapped into several talent-rich areas in Virginia and nabbed top prospects.
What they're missing: Winning. At some point, London and company will have to prove they can win on Saturdays to continue to nab top prospects in February. If he can do that, watch out.

Virginia Tech Hokies
What they're selling: As always, Tech sells a kind of toughness that appeals to some prospects. It may not be for all but it tends to resonate with some. Tech has built a successful program on that. Coach Frank Beamer's stability helps the Hokies recruit as well.
What they're missing: Tech has slid recently. It once was playing for national championships. That time seems to have passed. Tech needs to land a star player to achieve a higher level.

Have I mentioned Mother's Day lately?

• Former Georgia Tech receiver Jeff Greene will walk on at Ohio State.
• Duke quarterback Anthony Boone is ready to take over as starter.
• Might Maryland be one of the top "bounce back" teams of 2013?
• Clemson got a commitment from Herschel Walker's nephew, a tight end.
• And Milan Richard plans to make a name for himself.
• Syracuse will face the ACC's top draft prospects for 2014.
• Is there a big enough audience for an ACC channel?
• Get ready for Virginia Tech-Michigan. Well, you have some time.