ACC Football Summary

The first College Football Playoff rankings have been released, and the ACC is feeling the sting of perceived bias from the selection committee. According to reports from Augusta Free Press and Inside the Loud House, the ACC is not receiving the recognition it deserves, with prominent commentators like Joel Klatt suggesting that there is a clear lack of respect for the conference.

The rankings show Virginia at number 14, Louisville at 15, Georgia Tech at 17, Miami at 18, and Pitt at 24, despite the fact that the ACC boasts five teams ranked in the top 25. This strong showing comes after notable performances in which the ACC has recorded multiple top-10 victories this season.

Florida State defeated number 8 Alabama, Miami took down number 6 Notre Dame, and Virginia triumphed over Florida State, showcasing the conference's competitive edge. The ACC has had six different teams win against teams ranked in the AP Top 10 at the time of the game, placing them second among all FBS conferences for such victories.

Furthermore, close finishes have characterized ACC play this season, with 40.9 percent of conference games being decided by one score. This statistic ranks second among Power 4 conferences, and with an average margin of victory in league games standing at just 13.4 points, the competition is fierce.

Six teams in the ACC are currently 4-1 or better in conference play, tying them for the most among all FBS conferences. The report from CBS Sports highlights the challenges that traditional powerhouses, Clemson and Florida State, are experiencing this season as they seek to regain their form.

Meanwhile, Miami is looking to avenge a prior loss to Syracuse as they strive to maintain their ranking. As the season progresses, the focus remains on whether any ACC teams will make a significant playoff push amid ongoing criticisms of the conference's standing.

Sources indicate that the landscape is shifting, and with multiple key matchups on the horizon, the ACC's narrative could change dramatically in the coming weeks. This week, six important conference showdowns are set to take place, providing an opportunity for teams to cement their playoff aspirations and for the conference to prove its worth in the eyes of the selection committee.