ACC Wide Open as Rivalry Week Looms; CFP Shakeup Possible

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ACC Wide Open as Rivalry Week Looms; CFP Shakeup Possible

The world of college football is bracing for an exciting stretch as rivalry week approaches, raising the stakes for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Multiple conferences, including the ACC and Big 12, are vying for placement in the postseason, setting the stage for intense matchups ahead.

ACC Outlook: A Tight Race

The ACC is currently embroiled in a competitive race for the conference title. Three teams—Virginia, Pitt, and SMU—share the top spot with just one conference loss. Miami is also eyeing an at-large CFP spot, despite not qualifying for the ACC title game.

If Virginia defeats Virginia Tech, they advance to the ACC championship.
If SMU wins against California, they could also secure a championship berth.
A loss by either team would open the door for Pitt to claim a title spot.

Impact of Recent Games

Last Saturday, the dramatic performance by Oregon against USC significantly impacted the playoff picture. Oregon defeated USC 42-27, effectively eliminating the Trojans from CFP contention.

In addition to Oregon’s triumph, other notable games unfolded, including Oklahoma’s successful campaign against Missouri, securing a key CFP position. Kansas State’s collapse in a game they led 47-37 serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college football.

Upcoming Matchups and CFP Implications

As we approach rivalry week, several key games could have significant ramifications for the CFP standings:

Black Friday Games:

No. 6 Ole Miss at Mississippi State
No. 4 Georgia at Georgia Tech
No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 17 Texas

Saturday Showdowns:

No. 1 Ohio State at No. 18 Michigan
No. 14 Vanderbilt at No. 20 Tennessee
No. 10 Alabama at Auburn
Virginia Tech at No. 19 Virginia
SMU at California
No. 7 Oregon at Washington
No. 13 Miami at Pittsburgh
LSU at No. 8 Oklahoma

Emerging Stories

The upcoming matches will not only determine title game participants but will also influence the final CFP rankings. Teams like BYU are still in contention for the Big 12 title, and their performance next weekend will be crucial.

As analysts consider playoff scenarios, the focus will remain on the ACC and Big 12, with both conferences capable of producing possible upsets. Expect chaos as the 2025 regular season comes to a close.