ACC Football Roundup

Sad, sad things happened in the ACC today. Other interesting things also happened. Last week, the roundup did not round up, in protest of the intolerable officiating from the Duke-Miami game. This week, we have nothing to protests. However, since actual game analysis is too depressing, let’s talk postseason.

Atlantic Champs

Clemson (9-0, 6-0) – We don’t see them losing. After coming back from a 10-6 halftime deficit to FSU, they face Syracuse, Wake Forest, and South Carolina, all teams with 3-6 records.

Coastal Chaos is Basically Over

UNC (8-1, 5-0) – With a 66-31 beating of Duke, the Tar Heels have cemented themselves in first place. They would have to lose two of their next three (Miami, Virginia Tech, NC State) for second-place Pitt to earn a place in the ACC championship.

Pitt (6-3, 4-1) – Unfortunately, lost to highly over-rated Notre Dame. Fortunately, they still have a fair chance at the Coastal Crown, and are already going bowling.

A Snowball’s Chance

Miami (6-3, 3-2) – With a win over Virginia, 27-21, Miami stays (technically) in Coastal Contention. Yes, they have to defeat UNC, and then hope UNC loses its next two games after that, and then beat Pitt in the last game of the season. Oh, also, Georgia Tech is in the middle there, but they haven’t played this week, and lost last week to Virginia, also by the score of 27-21.

Duke (6-3, 3-2) – Sigh. The offense shows up to put 31 points on the board in regulation, but the once vaunted defense gave up 704 total yards, including 537 in the air, which is more than the Blue Devils had total (533). I told y’all it was depressing. However, Duke still has a chance at 10 wins, with Pitt, UVa, Wake Forest, and a bowl game still to come.

Other Bowl Eligible Teams

Florida State (7-2, 5-2) – Technically also has a snowball’s chance, but given Clemson’s remaining schedule, even snowballs have better chances. Quick thought: FSU’s second to last game is against Chattanooga. I’m interested, if anyone wants to tell me, what the logic is behind scheduling cupcakes this late in the season.

NC State (6-3, 3-2) – With a 24-8 win over Boston College, the Wolfpack are going bowling. All the remaining games on their schedule are winnable, although the "rivalry" game with UNC will be tough.

Chance at a Bowl

Louisville (5-4, 4-2) – The Cards should be bowl eligible next week, when they play Virginia. If they somehow fail, they have Pitt and Kentucky, both winnable games.

Virginia Tech (4-5, 2-3) – Needs two wins, and could conceivably pick them up against Georgia Tech and UVa, but the Hokies need those, because at this point a win against Carolina is unlikely.

Georgia Tech (3-6, 1-5) – One of two teams this year to defeat Florida State, one has to give them a chance against V Tech, Miami, and Georgia, but it’s a slim chance.

Nope, Not Happening

Syracuse (3-6, 1-4), Wake Forest (3-6, 1-5) – Both teams have Clemson on the schedule, and neither has proven they can win in conference.

Virginia (3-6, 2-3) – Lousiville is coming off a blowout win, Duke has defeated UVa three years in a row, and although the rivalry game with V Tech is winnable, it’ll be tough.

Definitely Not Happening

Boston College (3-7, 0-7) – Only has two remaining games on the schedule.

Around the CFP World

The rankings came out, putting two SEC teams in the top four. One of those teams (LSU) went on to lose to the other (Alabama), and now nobody has to complain about SEC bias.

There are now 6 undefeated teams in the AP 25. All of them except Clemson (SOS 19) have plus-50 strengths of schedule. Alabama has the most difficult schedule, according to ESPN, while 8-1 Notre Dame has the 12th hardest, meaning in this humble blogger’s opinion, the top four should be:

1. Clemson

2. Alabama

3. Notre Dame

4. Oklahoma State

We encourage comments. Tell us we’re wrong, we want to hear from you.