ACC Dominance: Over Two-Thirds of Teams Bowl Eligible, Setting Records in 2023
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is making waves in the college football landscape, with an impressive 11 out of its 14 teams securing bowl eligibility. This achievement not only establishes the ACC as a powerhouse in college football but also marks a record-breaking feat, with the highest number of bowl-eligible teams among all Power 5 conferences. Let's delve into the remarkable achievements of these ACC teams as they prepare to showcase their prowess in the upcoming bowl season.
ACC Bowl-Eligible Teams:
- Florida State (13-0): After claiming their 16th ACC Championship, the No. 5-ranked Florida State Seminoles will face No. 6 Georgia in the Capital One Orange Bowl. This clash, the 12th all-time matchup between the two teams, is set to be an exciting battle with Florida State boasting a successful history in the Orange Bowl.
- Louisville (10-3): Under first-year head coach Jeff Brohm, the No. 15-ranked Louisville Cardinals are making their third consecutive bowl appearance. Their journey takes them to the DirecTV Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California, where they will face off against an opponent, Southern California, for the first time in bowl history.
- NC State (9-3): The No. 18-ranked NC State Wolfpack, appearing in their 35th bowl game, will take on No. 25 Kansas State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida. With a solid 17-16-1 overall bowl record, NC State aims to continue its postseason success.
- Clemson (8-4): The No. 22-ranked Clemson Tigers are extending their impressive streak, making their 19th consecutive bowl appearance. Heading to the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl to face Kentucky, Clemson boasts the longest active bowl streak among ACC teams and the fifth-longest in the nation.
- North Carolina (8-4): The Tar Heels, making their fifth straight postseason appearance, will compete against West Virginia in the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina. North Carolina aims to build on its 1-1 record against the Mountaineers in this matchup.
- Duke (7-5): Making their 16th bowl appearance, the Duke Blue Devils will take on Troy in the 76® Birmingham Bowl. Duke, on a five-game bowl winning streak, looks to continue its postseason success against the Trojans.
- Miami (7-5): Under the leadership of head coach Mario Cristobal, Miami is postseason-bound for the first time. Heading to the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, the Hurricanes will face Rutgers, holding an 11-0 advantage in the all-time series against the Scarlett Knights.
- Georgia Tech (6-6): The Yellow Jackets will make their first-ever appearance in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, taking on UCF. Returning to postseason play after a hiatus since 2018, Georgia Tech aims to add to its 25-20 all-time bowl record.
- Virginia Tech (6-6): Bowl-eligible for the 35th time in program history under first-year head coach Brent Pry, the Hokies will play Tulane in the Military Bowl presented by GoBowling.com. With a 13-21 overall postseason record, Virginia Tech seeks success in Annapolis, Maryland.
- Boston College (6-6): Playing in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl for the first time, Boston College faces No. 24 SMU. The Eagles, back in bowl eligibility after a canceled game in 2021, aim to secure a victory against the Mustangs.
- Syracuse (6-6): Syracuse will be the first ACC team to play in the RoofClaim Boca Raton Bowl, facing South Florida. Making consecutive bowl appearances for the first time since 2012 and 2013, the Orange hope to continue their postseason success with a win against the Bulls.
Conclusion:
The ACC's dominance in college football is evident with 11 bowl-eligible teams, surpassing other Power 5 conferences. As these teams gear up for their respective bowl matchups, football fans can expect thrilling contests and memorable moments, solidifying the ACC's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the college football landscape.
