ACC Considering Changes to Conference Title Game After Near SMU Snub in CFP
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is reportedly considering changes to its conference title game structure following the controversial near-snub of SMU in the College Football Playoff (CFP) race. The incident has highlighted the flaws in the current system and prompted ACC officials to reassess the way they determine participants in their conference championship games, especially as the landscape of college football continues to shift.
The SMU Controversy
The controversy surrounding Southern Methodist University (SMU) began after a stellar season for the Mustangs, who were in contention for one of the four coveted spots in the CFP. SMU, under head coach Sonny Dykes, had finished the regular season with a strong record, showcasing an offense that could rival any in the country. However, despite their performance, there were concerns about the Mustangs’ exclusion from the top-tier of the CFP rankings due to a series of factors, including a perceived lack of competition within their conference and strength of schedule issues.
When it came time to select teams for the College Football Playoff, SMU found itself on the outside looking in, despite an impressive season. As the ACC and other Power Five conferences debate their positions in the evolving world of college football, the exclusion of SMU from the playoff conversation has led to renewed scrutiny of conference title game structures and how they might impact a team’s playoff chances.
In particular, the ACC Championship Game, which traditionally pits the winner of the Atlantic Division against the winner of the Coastal Division, became the focus of scrutiny. Teams from both divisions, including schools like Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina, have been dominant, while teams like SMU and others from the Group of Five conferences have struggled to gain recognition. This has created a dilemma where the winner of a Power Five conference could have a potential advantage, but other deserving teams might be left on the outside.
Potential Changes to the Conference Title Game
In light of SMU’s near-snub and the growing pressure from both fans and schools, the ACC has begun considering potential changes to its conference title game format. One of the proposed changes is moving away from the traditional division structure and adopting a more flexible model. This could involve selecting the two best teams in the conference, regardless of division, to meet in the title game. Such a change would aim to ensure that the best teams, based on overall performance and strength of schedule, are given a fair chance at competing for the conference championship, without being penalized for playing in a weaker division.
This idea has gained traction in light of recent trends in college football, where top teams may not necessarily be separated into distinct divisions. With the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, some experts believe that this approach could better reflect the reality of conference strength and reward teams that perform well throughout the season, rather than relying solely on divisional standings.
Another potential change being discussed is the use of a “conference-wide power ranking system” that would help determine the participants in the championship game. This system would take into account not only wins and losses but also strength of schedule, quality of victories, and other factors that would allow for a more holistic evaluation of a team’s season. It could also eliminate the bias that sometimes emerges when teams from weaker divisions are perceived as less deserving, despite having strong records.
Looking Ahead: A More Inclusive Future
As the ACC considers changes to its championship game structure, the goal is clear: to ensure that the conference title game better reflects the realities of today’s competitive college football landscape, where strength of schedule and overall performance matter more than ever. With the College Football Playoff system expanding in the future, conference championship games will become even more significant in determining playoff contenders. The ACC is looking to make sure that it remains a relevant and fair player in the evolving college football ecosystem.
While no formal decisions have been made, the conversations about potential changes signal the conference’s willingness to adapt to the growing demands for fairness, inclusivity, and competitiveness. The nearly missed opportunity for SMU in the CFP race has brought these issues to the forefront, but in the long run, any changes made to the ACC’s title game format could have widespread implications for the entire college football landscape.
The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched, as the ACC, along with other conferences, continues to navigate an ever-changing environment where fairness and equity in determining playoff spots are crucial for maintaining the integrity and excitement of college football.
