ACC Overlooked in Initial College Football Playoff Rankings as Big 12 Rises
The first College Football Playoff selection committee rankings have sparked concern for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The ACC, which enjoyed success last season, now finds itself struggling to maintain prominence among top college football conferences, especially compared to the Big 12.
Initial Rankings Reveal ACC’s Challenges
The ACC’s highest-ranked team in the initial playoff rankings is the University of Virginia, positioned at No. 14. Virginia holds a single loss, which occurred against NC State, another ACC team.
Further complicating matters, Georgia Tech, previously undefeated, fell to No. 17 after a 17-point loss to NC State. The committee chair, Mack Rhoades, expressed concerns regarding the lack of significant non-conference victories for the ACC. He noted the dominance of NC State in their matchup against Georgia Tech.
Miami’s Decline and ACC’s Prospects
Miami entered the season strong, boasting victories over notable opponents like Notre Dame, South Florida, and Florida State. However, recent losses, including a home defeat to Louisville and an overtime loss against SMU, caused Miami to plummet from No. 2 to No. 18 in the rankings.
The Hurricanes now face an uphill battle for the ACC championship due to various tiebreaker scenarios that may limit their chances. Rhoades acknowledged Miami’s talent but emphasized the necessity for consistency in their performance moving forward.
Other ACC Teams in the Rankings
- Louisville: Ranked No. 15, with aspirations for a higher position.
- Pitt: Just making the rankings at No. 24, faces challenges ahead.
Notably, Louisville’s two wins against ranked opponents provide a strong case for a better ranking. Yet, they must surpass several two-loss teams, including Utah, who occupies the No. 13 spot in the Big 12.
The Big 12’s Rising Status
The Big 12 has emerged as a significant competitor, with teams like Texas Tech and Utah garnering respect within the committee’s evaluations. The Big 12’s teams are consequently showing more strength compared to their ACC counterparts.
The playoff selection committee has indicated that the ACC must intensify its efforts. With Selection Sunday approaching, the road ahead will require significant improvement for the ACC to maintain its place in college football’s elite brackets.
