Ten Power Five Games: The ACC's Proposed Scheduling Change And Its Challenges

Michael

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Post on Sep 21, 2025

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Ten Power Five Games: The ACC's Proposed Scheduling Change and Its Challenges

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is shaking things up. Their proposal to guarantee each member school at least ten games against Power Five opponents annually has sent ripples through college football, sparking both excitement and concern. While the intention is to bolster the conference's national profile and competitiveness in the College Football Playoff (CFP), the path to implementation faces significant hurdles.

This ambitious plan, if successful, would drastically reshape the ACC's scheduling landscape, potentially altering rivalries and the overall competitive balance within the conference. But achieving this goal requires navigating several complex challenges.

The Allure of Ten Power Five Games: A Stronger CFP Position?

The driving force behind this proposal is simple: increased strength of schedule. By ensuring each team plays ten Power Five opponents, the ACC aims to improve its chances of having a team consistently ranked highly enough to compete for a CFP berth. Currently, the ACC's performance in the CFP has been inconsistent, often lagging behind the SEC and Big Ten. This scheduling change is a direct attempt to address this issue. A stronger strength of schedule translates to higher rankings, a more compelling narrative for selection committees, and ultimately, a better shot at the national championship.

The Challenges: Balancing Ambition with Reality

However, achieving this ambitious goal is far from straightforward. Several significant challenges loom:

• Intra-Conference Games: The ACC currently plays a round-robin schedule within its own conference, meaning each team plays every other team in the conference at least once. To fit ten Power Five games, the number of intra-conference games would need to be significantly reduced, potentially impacting long-standing rivalries and fan engagement. The emotional connection fans have with these traditional games is a vital aspect of college football culture, and minimizing them could alienate loyal supporters.

• Non-Conference Scheduling: Finding ten suitable Power Five opponents willing to commit to future scheduling agreements presents a logistical nightmare. Many Power Five schools already have their schedules filled years in advance, and securing enough attractive matchups will require significant negotiation and compromise. The potential for unbalanced schedules – some teams facing significantly tougher opponents than others – is a real concern.

• Financial Implications: Guaranteed games against Power Five opponents often come with hefty guaranteed payments. The ACC will need to consider the financial implications for its member institutions, ensuring the financial burden is fairly distributed and doesn't disadvantage smaller schools within the conference.

• Competitive Balance: A more challenging schedule could exacerbate the competitive imbalance within the ACC itself. Schools with more resources might have an easier time navigating a tougher non-conference schedule, potentially widening the gap between the top and bottom teams.

The Future of ACC Football: A Crossroads

The ACC's proposal to guarantee ten Power Five games is a bold move, reflecting a desire to elevate its national standing in college football. However, the road ahead is paved with significant challenges. Finding a solution that balances the ambition of improving the CFP chances with preserving the integrity of the conference and its cherished rivalries will require careful planning, significant negotiation, and a willingness to compromise. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious plan becomes a reality or remains just a bold idea. The future of ACC football hangs in the balance.

What are your thoughts on the ACC's proposed scheduling change? Share your opinions in the comments below!