We Could Really Screw Things Up +Addendum / Correction

Conventional wisdom has one of three ACC teams having a realistic opportunity to make the National Championship Playoffs - Clemson, Miami or Virginia Tech.

If Clemson wins out - including the ACC Championship game - they are pretty much a 1-loss shoo in.

Likewise, if VT wins out and the ACC Championship game - they are a 1-loss team in the National Championship Playoff.

If Miami beats VT and then wins the ACC Championship game - they are the undefeated shoo in.

All three would likely be the #4 seed playing Alabama.


NC State - if successful - can [bleep] it up for everybody.

Here's how -

We upset Clemson next Saturday (ABC 3:30 PM). We match up well with Clemson and it's very possible we could win. Odds are against it - but not overwhelming odds.

If that happens - and State wins out the regular season (not a given with Boston College and Wake Forest still to play) - NC State goes to the Orange Bowl. No matter what happens in the ACC Championship Game.

Clemson then has two losses - no invitation to the National Championship Playoffs.

Let's say we make it to the ACC Championship game. Winner automatically goes to the Orange Bowl - unless selected for the National Championship Playoff - in which case the runner up (loser) goes to the Orange Bowl.

If State wins the ACC Championship game - with 2 losses - would NOT be selected for the playoffs. We go to the Orange Bowl.

If State loses the ACC Championship - vs. VT or Miami - then VT / Miami goes to the National Championship playoffs as undefeated (Miami) or one loss (VT). State, again, goes to the Orange Bowl.

There is a possibility if State beats Miami in the ACC Championship game, Miami with only one loss might still get the #4 spot. But a loss that late in the season works against Miami with the Selection Committee.

On paper - Clemson should win out and play Miami / VT.

Of course, as a State fan - I want to win next weekend. I want to win the ACC Championship - but I'd be OK losing it - going to the Orange Bowl - and VT / Miami going to the National Championship.

We're not quite in the playoff league yet - as was shown in our loss to Notre Dame. But we're better than the ND score indicated. We're close - and hopefully - will keep getting better and closer each year.

NC State, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Miami all control their own destiny. Any loss and they can kiss the National Championship playoffs or Orange Bowl good bye.

Wow - it sure feels good to have State in that kind of situation. It's been a long, long time.

Correction

The first place ACC team goes to the Orange Bowl unless selected for the National Championship Playoffs. If selected then the next highest ranked team goes to the Orange Bowl. Not necessarily the ACC Championship Game loser.

I all likelihood - even if State wins out - Clemson, VT and Miami will still be ranked ahead of NC State.

So, if State goes to the ACC Championship game and wins - State goes to the Orange Bowl. And knocks all the other ACC teams out of the National Championship Playoffs. Except possibly Miami if only one loss (to State in the ACC Championship Game).

If State goes to the ACC Championship game and loses - the next highest ranked ACC team goes to the Orange Bowl. State goes to a lower bowl - probably the Sun Bowl. Yuck.

Again - each team - NC State, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Miami all control their own destiny. NC State can win it's way into the Orange. The rest can win their way to the National Championship Playoffs.

College football is way more fun than Pro football!