URGENT UPDATE: No. 12 Miami has surged into contention for the ACC Championship Game following a decisive 38-7 victory over No. 22 Pittsburgh on Saturday, November 11, 2023. This commanding win at Acrisure Stadium, witnessed by 49,845 fans, elevates Miami’s record to 10-2 overall and 6-2 in ACC play, putting the team in a critical position as the championship approaches.
With this victory, Miami now awaits the outcome of No. 21 SMU’s game against California, where the Mustangs are currently trailing 31-21 in the fourth quarter. Should SMU fall, it would create a five-way tie at 6-2 in conference play, involving Miami, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, and Duke.
No. 18 Virginia has already secured a spot in the ACC Championship with a 27-7 win over Virginia Tech. However, Duke, holding a 7-5 overall record, could benefit from the tiebreaker rules unless the ACC decides to prioritize its highest-ranked team for a better shot at the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Developing reports suggest that the ACC might overlook the traditional tiebreakers to favor Miami, particularly if SMU loses. Sports analysts, including Nicole Auerbach from NBC Sports, advocate for this move, indicating that it could enhance the ACC’s representation in the CFP. Auerbach tweeted, “This might be an unpopular take… but if I’m the ACC and Cal upsets SMU, I override the tiebreakers and put Miami in the ACC championship game against Virginia.”
Supporting this notion, Gaby Urrutia of 247 Sports noted, “The Big Ten has done this before,” referencing a past instance where Ohio State was selected over Indiana for the conference championship despite having fewer games played. In 2020, the Buckeyes, who went 5-0, were chosen based on their undefeated status and a victory over Indiana, despite the latter finishing 5-1.
The ACC now faces a crucial decision as it considers its options. If Duke were to win the championship against Virginia, it could further complicate the playoff landscape, potentially resulting in the ACC being excluded from the CFP if five higher-ranked conference champions are chosen.
As the Week 14 schedule unfolds, all eyes are on the ACC’s ruling. Miami’s chances of making the CFP could hinge on this pivotal moment, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for both the team and its supporters.
Stay tuned for further developments as the scenario continues to evolve, with implications that could redefine the postseason landscape for college football. For all the latest updates, follow Newsweek Sports.
