ACC Championship Game Scenarios: Virginia, SMU, Miami Face Win-or-Go-Home Finale

The ACC football championship picture will be decided today. Six teams remain in the hunt for the final two spots in the title game. The conference championship is set for December 6 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

The stakes are exceptionally high. According to CBS Sports analysis, the winner likely secures the ACC’s only berth in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Virginia and SMU control their own destinies with simple paths forward.

Virginia’s Clear Path Relies on Rivalry Win

The Virginia Cavaliers need a victory over rival Virginia Tech. A win today sends them directly to the ACC Championship Game. Their 6-1 conference record is second-best among contenders.

If Virginia loses, their path becomes complicated. They would then need Pittsburgh to lose to Miami. That result, combined with other outcomes, could still send them to Charlotte. The rivalry game carries extra weight with Virginia Tech holding a dominant historical edge.

SMU Must Capitalize on Road Trip to Cal

SMU travels to face the California Golden Bears today. A Mustang victory clinches their spot in the conference title game. Cal’s recent coaching change adds uncertainty to the matchup.

A loss for SMU does not eliminate them. They would then need Miami to defeat Pittsburgh. SMU holds a head-to-head overtime victory over Miami from earlier this season. That tiebreaker could prove crucial in complex scenarios.

Contender Scenarios at a Glance

Virginia (9-2, 6-1 ACC): Clinches with a win vs. Virginia Tech. A loss requires Pitt to lose and other help.

SMU (8-3, 6-1 ACC): Clinches with a win at California. A loss requires a Miami win and favorable tiebreakers.

Pittsburgh (8-3, 6-1 ACC): Must beat Miami AND need either SMU or Virginia to lose.

Miami (9-2, 5-2 ACC): Must beat Pitt AND needs multiple other upsets to occur.

Pittsburgh’s Surging Offense Faces Ultimate Test

Pittsburgh enters today on a six-game ACC winning streak. Quarterback Mason Heintschel has transformed the Panther offense since taking over. Their upset win over Georgia Tech last week showed their capability.

Pitt’s scenario requires a win and help. They need either SMU to lose to Cal or Virginia to fall to Virginia Tech. Their earlier loss to Louisville could impact multi-team tiebreaker procedures.

Playoff Implications Elevate Every Possibility

The ACC Championship Game winner is projected to make the College Football Playoff. This elevates today’s games beyond conference bragging rights. An unexpected champion could still earn a prestigious playoff invitation.

Miami currently holds the ACC’s highest playoff ranking. Their path to the title game is the most difficult despite their ranking. The Hurricanes need a win and several specific outcomes elsewhere.

The final ACC championship scenarios will be settled by tonight’s results. Expect intense drama as teams battle for a playoff berth and conference supremacy.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Who controls their own destiny for the ACC Championship Game?

Virginia and SMU control their own destinies. Both teams clinch a spot with a victory in their final regular season game today. No other results are needed if they win.

What happens if Virginia loses to Virginia Tech?

Virginia would need Pittsburgh to lose to Miami to stay alive. They would then depend on specific tiebreaker procedures involving other teams. Their strong conference record still gives them a chance.

Can Pittsburgh still make the championship game?

Yes, Pittsburgh can still advance. They must beat Miami today. They also need either SMU to lose to California or Virginia to lose to Virginia Tech.

Why is Miami’s path so difficult?

Miami has two conference losses, while other contenders have only one. The Hurricanes need to win and get significant help from other games. Their ranking does not simplify the tiebreaker math.

What are the playoff stakes for the ACC champion?

The ACC champion is widely expected to secure the conference’s only College Football Playoff spot. The new 12-team format increases access, making the championship game a likely playoff qualifier.