The ACC is following the SEC's lead and will adopt a nine-game conference schedule, per an announcement on Monday. This includes a minimum of 10 games against Power 4 opponents.
“We have been incredibly intentional throughout our discussions on ACC Football, including the future of our conference schedule,” ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement. “Today, the Athletic Directors of the 17 football-playing institutions overwhelmingly supported a regular season schedule that includes nine conference games and a minimum of 10 games each year against Power 4 opponents.
“This positions the ACC as one of only two leagues committed to having every team annually play a minimum of 10 games against Power 4 teams. There will be additional discussions and more details to be determined, but today’s decision showcases the commitment and leadership of our ADs in balancing that is best for strengthening the conference and their respective programs. As specified in the Conference constitution, the model will be presented to the Faculty Athletics Representatives for formal adoption.”
The Big Ten, Big 12, SEC and now ACC all set to play a nine-game conference schedule, which could reconstruct the College Football Playoff format. Phillips said at ACC's Media Days that he liked where the conference was at with eight games. It appears he saw the writing on the wall.
With the adjustments, this will leave independents like Notre Dame and non-Power Four conference teams out in the cold, needing to go undefeated to guarantee a Playoff bid. Also, the alignment is another step closer to a super league in the near future.
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