What's Happening?
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has announced a major change to its football schedule, adopting a nine-game conference format. This decision, supported by ACC athletic directors, requires teams to play a minimum of 10 games against Power Four opponents. The move aligns the ACC with other Power Four conferences, including the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, which have already implemented similar schedules. The change is expected to impact the College Football Playoff format and strengthen the ACC's competitive position.
Why It's Important?
The ACC's transition to a nine-game schedule is significant for its impact on the College Football Playoff landscape. By increasing the number of games against power-conference opponents, the ACC aims to enhance its teams' playoff resumes and competitive standing. This change could also lead to a shift towards a super league in the future, as the ACC joins other major conferences in adopting a more rigorous schedule. The decision reflects a strategic effort to maintain parity with other Power Four leagues and address potential challenges for independent teams like Notre Dame.
What's Next?
The ACC will present the new scheduling model to faculty athletics representatives for formal adoption. The transition to a nine-game schedule will begin next year, with full implementation expected by 2027. The ACC's unique structure, with 17 league teams, presents scheduling challenges, but plans are in place to accommodate existing nonconference commitments. The change may require teams to make strategic decisions about future schedules, particularly regarding nonconference rivalry games and partnerships with Notre Dame.
