One of the most embarrassing moments in ACC sports history is one game away from happening.
A 7-5 Duke team that wins the ACC Championship would virtually assure that the ACC does not have a participant in the 12-team college football playoff. This doesn’t address that Miami should, in fact, should be an at large choice. Don’t even get me started on Miami actually beating Notre Dame and having the same record. The Canes have been dominant since a November 1 loss to SMU, but that’s besides the point.
Miami is in the hands of the CFP committee, and we know their reputation for making the wrong decision.
The winner of the ACC Championship is supposed to have a walk-in into the playoffs. That won’t happen if Duke wins the ACCCG as the ACC likely won’t have one of the 5 highest-ranked conference champions.
How in the world did such a situation possibly arrive? Here it is below…
ACC CHAOS
— Mike Monaco (@MikeMonaco_) November 30, 2025
The ACC had a 5-way tie for 2nd place at 6-2.
The FIFTH tiebreaker decided it.
Duke’s 8 ACC opponents had the best combined record in league games.
That sends Duke to the ACC Championship Game. pic.twitter.com/45hSwtnCWt
The scenario that was needed for this to occur is almost incomprehensible. Georgia Tech losing two ACC games in November. SMU losing at Cal, Pitt beating Georgia Tech, and losing to Miami. Louisville is losing twice at home to unranked teams. Duke winning a last-second game over Clemson. Then, to win a 5th tiebreaker. Should I go on?
Well, here we are… Virginia is all that stands between Duke and the ACC probably getting left out of the college football playoffs.
