Here's why Duke didn't make the College Football Playoff after winning the ACC title

Yahoo Sports – GeneralSunday, December 7, 2025 at 6:20:59 PM
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  • Duke's football team, despite winning the ACC title, did not qualify for the College Football Playoff (CFP) due to a controversial decision by the selection committee. This outcome has raised questions about the ACC's standing in the playoff landscape, particularly after a season filled with speculation about the conference's potential exclusion.
  • The failure to secure a playoff spot is significant for Duke, as it highlights the challenges faced by teams from the ACC in gaining recognition and respect within the national college football framework. This situation may impact recruitment and the overall perception of the program.
  • The broader implications of this development reflect ongoing debates about the fairness of the CFP selection process, especially concerning conference representation. The ACC's struggles, coupled with calls for reevaluation of tiebreaker rules, underscore a growing concern about the competitive balance in college football and the criteria used to determine playoff eligibility.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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