ACC Championship Game Preview: Virginia vs. Duke

Next week, the ACC Championship Game will feature an intriguing matchup between the Virginia Cavaliers and the Duke Blue Devils. According to The New York Times, Virginia, ranked 18th, comes into the game with a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, including 7-1 in the ACC. They secured their spot in the title game by defeating Virginia Tech 27-7, with key contributions from JMari Taylor, who rushed for a touchdown and threw for another in the first half. Their defense was also impressive, forcing seven three-and-outs and making two interceptions during the game. This will be Virginia's first appearance in the ACC Championship since 2019, and head coach Tony Elliott expressed pride in his team's achievement but emphasized the need for focus in the upcoming game.

On the other hand, Duke, despite being unranked, has made a surprising run to the championship with a record of 7-5 and 6-2 in the conference. Their journey to the title game included a crucial victory over Wake Forest, where they won 49-32. Darian Mensah, the Blue Devils' quarterback, had a standout performance, throwing for two touchdowns, which helped him set a single-season record for Duke with 28 touchdown passes. The Blue Devils' appearance in the championship marks their first since 2013, highlighting a significant turnaround for the program.

However, the stakes extend beyond just the ACC title. According to The New York Times, the outcome of this game carries implications for the College Football Playoff. The ACC could find itself in a precarious situation, as the conference will not be represented in the Playoff if the champion is Duke, whose losses include games against UConn, Illinois, and Tulane. If Duke wins, they may be passed over for a Playoff spot in favor of teams from the American Conference or the Sun Belt, which could lead to a scenario where a Power 4 conference champion is left out. Duke’s chances of making the Playoff are currently pegged at a mere 7 percent, while other teams like James Madison hold better odds despite being outside of the Power 5 conferences.

The matchup presents both teams with a unique opportunity. For Virginia, a victory would secure their first ACC Championship title since 2019 and potentially enhance their standing in the national conversation. For Duke, winning would not only give them the championship but also elevate their program profile significantly, showcasing their potential in a competitive landscape. As both teams prepare for this pivotal contest, the ramifications for the ACC and the College Football Playoff landscape add an extra layer of intensity to the championship game next week.