The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship game is approaching, with significant potential for contention among several teams. As the regular season draws to a close, key matchups in the upcoming weeks will determine which teams advance to the championship. Currently, six teams are vying for a chance to compete for the title, with each team pursuing a strategy tailored to their circumstances.
Paths for ACC Championship
As of November 22, the competition is fierce, with four teams holding one loss each, but that number will shrink after the Georgia Tech versus Pittsburgh game. Here’s a breakdown of the teams still in the running for championship contention and their respective paths to the title game.
Georgia Tech
- Record: 9-1 (6-1 ACC)
- Next Game: vs. Pittsburgh
- Path: A victory over Pittsburgh guarantees Georgia Tech a spot in the championship game.
Virginia
- Record: 9-2 (6-1 ACC)
- Next Game: vs. Virginia Tech (Bye in Week 13)
- Path: Must defeat Virginia Tech or rely on losses from SMU or Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh
- Record: 7-3 (5-1 ACC)
- Next Games: vs. Georgia Tech and Miami
- Path: Needs to win both games and gets help from losses by either SMU or Virginia.
SMU
- Record: 7-3 (5-1 ACC)
- Path: Must win remaining games against Louisville and California, hoping for assistance from other teams.
Miami
- Record: 8-2 (4-2 ACC)
- Path: Needs to win against Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh while relying on specific results involving other teams.
Duke
- Record: 5-5 (4-2 ACC)
- Path: Requires victories over UNC and Wake Forest, along with favorable outcomes in other matches.
Understanding the Tiebreaker Rules
As the race tightens, understanding the ACC tiebreaker rules becomes essential. In the event of a tie, the following criteria will be applied:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Two-Team Tiebreakers | Head-to-head outcomes, win percentage against common opponents, and overall conference strength. |
| Three (or More) Team Tie | A combined analysis of head-to-head results and win percentages will be conducted. |
The ACC championship game is set for December 6 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the final games approach, the possibilities are numerous. Teams will need to perform while also relying on the outcomes of their competitors to secure a coveted championship berth. The excitement of college football culminates in these final pivotal weeks, making every game crucial.
