How bad is the ACC
- Thread starter marshall23
- Start date
Does Notre Dame fall into the ACC with this play-off expansion or are they considered independent? According to those numbers, only one independent would have made it in, because there is only one ACC team that would have been in and that would have been Clemson I assume.
The 2020 year shouldn’t even count because of Covid. That would make them look even worse.
The ACC has PITT that should be good for one entry in perpetuity.
The 2nd team in 2020 was ND. ND had to temp join the ACC in 2020.
In fairness, in the College Football Playoff era (2014 to present) the ACC has 2 National Champions (both Clemson) to 1 by the BigTen (OSU).
Also, the ACC record in playoff games is 6-6. The BigTen is 3-7.
Also, the ACC record in playoff games is 6-6. The BigTen is 3-7.
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True, but ONE exceptional team does not define conference strength...in fact, it makes their path to the playoffs much easier, despite how good they prove to be thereafter in the playoffs themselves. Clemson's first playoff game in most of those years was synonymous with saying that it was their first test of the season.
I personally don't care about conference strength. Championships are what matter. I took a quick look at Clemson's record in 2016. That year, on their way to a National Championship, Clemson beat 6 ranked teams (4 during the regular season) including that 31-0 blowout of OSU in the semi-finals. In 2018 they beat Bama in the Championship game 44-16. I am not suggesting the ACC is as good as the BigTen, but their best team shows up when it matters.True, but ONE exceptional team does not define conference strength...in fact, it makes their path to the playoffs much easier, despite how good they prove to be thereafter in the playoffs themselves. Clemson's first playoff game in most of those years was synonymous with saying that it was their first test of the season.
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But that's not what this topic is about. It's about the strength of the conference, when it comes to the expanded playoffs. And Clemson has taken a step back recently ... will it be a speed bump, or will they stay at this new "top 20" level? TBD. There's also no clear successor for the ACC if Clemson' regressions sticks. FSU, Miami and UNC have all had some decent recruiting and a little success (to varying degrees) lately, but will any of them take the next step?
Perceived strength of conference (especially near the top end) helps in getting better rankings for everyone who's any good in that conference. It also helps attract talent, as they see themselves playing in a tough conference, against top competition.
I have never been one to stay on topic. Ok, conference strength. In the final 2016 AP poll the ACC had 5 ranked teams. The BigTen had 4. Now admittedly that was 6 years ago but one of my best friends tells me Pitt is on the edge of greatness so we'll see.
I will add in this year's final regular season AP poll both the BigTen and ACC had 3 ranked teams.
AND, in last year's final rankings both conferences had 4 teams in the Top 25.
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Again, not the topic. The topic is the expanded playoffs and who gets in. A non-champ in the #15-25 range is inconsequential.I have never been one to stay on topic. Ok, conference strength. In the final 2016 AP poll the ACC had 5 ranked teams. The BigTen had 4. Now admittedly that was 6 years ago but one of my best friends tells me Pitt is on the edge of greatness so we'll see.
I will add in this year's final regular season AP poll both the BigTen and ACC had 3 ranked teams.
AND, in last year's final rankings both conferences had 4 teams in the Top 25.
Pitt cannot sustain greatness because of their God awful recruiting. They are scheduled for 6 wins when you consider OOC games and the weakest P5 division in football The Coastal. The portal is their lifeline.I have never been one to stay on topic. Ok, conference strength. In the final 2016 AP poll the ACC had 5 ranked teams. The BigTen had 4. Now admittedly that was 6 years ago but one of my best friends tells me Pitt is on the edge of greatness so we'll see.
I will add in this year's final regular season AP poll both the BigTen and ACC had 3 ranked teams.
AND, in last year's final rankings both conferences had 4 teams in the Top 25.
Especially the Coastal. Dabo gave them camo for awhile. I suppose they will pin their hopes for the future on a resurrection of FSU. I see FSU and Clemson looking for a super conference asap.
Once Clemson and Florida State move to the SEC the remaining teams will become two new divisions in the MAC.
There may also be a spot for North Carolina in the new college football World. The State is rapidly growing in population and is becoming a football hotbed of interest and recruiting. Plus as the State’s flagship school they have too much money and support to slide into obscurity like the PITT’S of the sport.
The remnants of the ACC will remain together , but we are still not sure who leaves and whom stays , and we won't for at least 14 years .
You could be right. North Carolina might be a fit for the SEC or BIG. pitt is a small city school with no football fan base, no stadium, "little brother" within Pennsylvania, weak recruiting,etc. They are destined for the MAC or CUSA.
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