UPDATE: The landscape of college football shifted dramatically as the ACC faces an urgent crisis following a shocking upset—Duke’s victory over SMU has sent ripples across the conference, jeopardizing its standing in the upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) selections. With the championship games looming, the implications are enormous for teams vying for a coveted playoff spot.
The ACC was already in a precarious position this season, and Duke’s unexpected win has opened a door for Virginia, currently ranked 18th, to potentially secure the ACC championship next weekend. If Duke wins in Charlotte, they could become the lowest-ranked conference champion, risking the ACC’s automatic berth in the CFP. This scenario has football fans holding their breath, as it could lead to the ACC champion being excluded from the playoffs—a scenario no one anticipated.
Meanwhile, the championship games in other conferences are set to unfold with varying stakes. The highly anticipated matchup between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana in the Big Ten title game is largely ceremonial, as both teams have clinched CFP spots. Coaches may even consider resting key players given the lack of impact on playoff rankings.
In the SEC, No. 4 Georgia will face Alabama in a critical showdown in Atlanta. Alabama’s recent victory over Auburn solidifies their position, but any significant loss could jeopardize their playoff hopes, especially with a prior defeat to Florida State weighing heavily on their record.
The Big 12 presents a different narrative as Texas Tech prepares to clash with BYU. The winner will earn an automatic bid to the CFP, with Texas Tech potentially securing an at-large berth even if they lose. However, BYU’s path remains uncertain, as another loss could eliminate them from playoff contention altogether.
As the selection committee gears up to release its penultimate rankings on December 5, 2023, the controversy surrounding playoff selections intensifies. If teams like Alabama secure spots despite losses, the debate over rankings will heat up, particularly for the final at-large bid between Notre Dame and Miami. With neither team playing next weekend, the rankings released this Tuesday will be pivotal in shaping the narrative.
In addition to the playoff race, the Heisman Trophy buzz is building as ballots are due by 2 p.m. (Pacific) on December 9, 2023. This year’s election process has shifted, with the voting portal opening only on Saturday, ensuring that conference championship performances can influence final votes. Top contenders include Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia.
The coaching carousel is heating up as well, with several schools making significant moves. Virginia Tech hired James Franklin, while schools like Stanford, Oklahoma State, and Colorado State have also filled vacancies. With high-profile positions still open at Penn State, LSU, and Florida, expect a flurry of announcements that could reshape the college football landscape.
In summary, the college football world is on edge as championship games approach, with critical implications for the CFP and the Heisman race. As the weekend unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how these pivotal matchups will influence playoff positions and future coaching decisions. Stay tuned for the latest updates as this situation develops.
