With College Football Playoff rankings out, there were a few noticeable takeaways. The SEC was well represented with Texas even in the top-12. But the ACC was largely left out of serious contention. Joel Klatt took notice with an interesting take about it on his latest podcast.
The FOX Sports analyst said the selection committee “hates the ACC,” citing how the league’s top teams were positioned far below comparable programs from other conferences.
Virginia led all ACC one-loss teams at No. 14, followed by Louisville (15), Georgia Tech (17). The Cavaliers and Yellow Jackets are two of eight teams in the nation with a single loss, but are outranked by four two-loss teams. Miami (18) and Pittsburgh (24) are on the two-loss list.
“They’re not getting two bids,” Klatt said about the ACC. “These teams are not getting propped up over the teams ahead of them.”
Klatt argued that the formula now works squarely against the conference. “There’s almost no way that they’re getting a team all the way up to be champion and a second team in a position to go to that game, lose, and still get to the playoff. I just don’t see it at all.”
He compared the ACC’s standing to the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12, noting that Utah, Oklahoma and Texas “are staying above those ACC teams.” Klatt called the ACC's situation is based off the chaotic race for its championship and makes things worse.
Even with Virginia, Louisville and Georgia Tech all in the mix, Klatt said the ACC’s playoff hopes rest solely on its eventual champion. Which won't be the defending champions Clemson Tigers, who are currently in the midst of the worst season in coach Dabo Swinney's tenure.
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