The Atlantic Coast Conference is poised to reevaluate the structure of its football championship game in the wake of college football playoff expansion. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips revealed on Sunday that the league will engage in discussions with coaches and athletic directors about potential modifications to ensure the conference title game retains its significance in the new 12-team playoff era.
The impetus for the conversations stems from the precarious situation the SMU found itself in this past season. Despite capturing the ACC’s regular season championship, the SMU fell to Clemson in the conference championship game. This left the Mustangs anxiously awaiting their playoff fate on Selection Sunday, ultimately sneaking into the field of 12.
Exploring Alternative Formats
Phillips outlined a couple of possibilities the ACC will contemplate moving forward. One option entails granting the regular season champion a bye, with the second and third place finishers squaring off in the ACC championship game. This would preserve the accomplishment of winning the conference in the regular season while still staging a consequential title bout.
Another intriguing format would pit the top four teams against each other on the last weekend of the regular season in a 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 arrangement. The victors would then clash the following week for the ACC crown and an automatic playoff berth. This setup maintains the intensity of the regular season finale and elevates the championship game stakes.
Consulting Coaches and ADs
To guide the decision-making process, Phillips plans to solicit feedback from the league’s head coaches during a conference call next week. He specifically referenced the eyebrow-raising remarks from SMU’s Rhett Lashlee prior to the title game, questioning whether playing might jeopardize their playoff standing.
The conference championship games are important, as long as we make them important, right?
-ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips
The commissioner also noted that the dialogue will carry over to the upcoming ACC winter meetings in Charlotte next month. He has already introduced the topic in conversations with conference athletic directors to lay the groundwork for potential alterations.
Adapting to a New Reality
The ACC’s proactive approach to reassessing its championship game format reflects the shifting landscape of the college football postseason. As the playoff expands to 12 teams, conferences must adapt to ensure their title tilts remain relevant and rewarding.
By engaging key stakeholders and carefully weighing alternative structures, the ACC is positioning itself to make a well-informed decision that upholds the prestige and competitive integrity of its championship game. The forthcoming deliberations will shape the future of ACC football and its place in the evolving playoff picture.
As the conference navigates this uncharted territory, the objective remains clear: to crown a deserving champion while providing a fair and compelling path to playoff qualification. The ACC’s willingness to adapt and innovate bodes well for its continued success in the new era of college football.
