Clemson, N.C. State ... and Florida State? Postseason bowl projections for the ACC

With conference championship games and Selection Sunday just around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to figure out which teams will be playing in which bowls. All the tie-ins, the affiliations, the pools – it’s truly a complicated process. Because of that, it’s impossible for anyone to know which teams will end up where... but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a try.

Presenting, bowl projections for Clemson, N.C. State and the rest of the ACC:

Clemson vs. Alabama, Sugar Bowl/CFB Semifinal (New Orleans): Three years in a row? Heck yeah, assuming Wisconsin loses the Big Ten championship game and Alabama sneaks into the CFB Playoff. The third iteration might not top the last one (or even the first meeting), but it’ll still be a worthy battle of defensive heavyweights and future professionals.

Miami vs. Georgia, Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami): Miami and Georgia are terrific teams, but neither has the horses to quite beat their conference’s best. That’s OK though, because that means we get the turnover chain versus Georgia’s NFL-ready stable of running backs, Sony Michel and Nick Chubb.

Virginia Tech vs. Penn State, Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Fla.): The Nittany Lions were widely projected to make the CFB Playoff before the season, while Virginia Tech rattled off an impressive nine regular-season wins under coach Justin Fuente in his second season. One last chance to watch Penn State’s Saquon Barkley dominate college defenders.

Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma State, Camping World Bowl (Orlando, Fla.): Two losses late in the season to Miami and Stanford likely cost the Fighting Irish a better bowl, but this game would be a total offensive contrast. Oklahoma State’s passing offense is arguably the best in the sport, but Notre Dame running back Josh Adams’ Heisman campaign is no joke.

N.C. State vs. South Carolina, Belk Bowl (Charlotte): When these teams played in Week 1, it was one of the best games of the season. So now a repeat, and potentially in N.C. State coach Dave Doeren’s last game with the Wolfpack? Bring on round two.

Louisville vs. Oregon, Hyundai Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas): Otherwise known as the all-offense bowl. Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson won ACC Player of the Year for the second season in a row, and for good reason considering his numbers. Oregon’s Royce Freeman has been exceptional for years, too – take the over.

Boston College vs. Michigan, New Era Pinstripe Bowl (New York): Boston College freshman running back AJ Dillon has been a revelation this season, and he deservedly earned first-team All-ACC honors. Michigan’s revival under coach Jim Harbaugh has been impressive, too, but the lack of consistent quarterback play has continued to stifle the Wolverines’ potential.

Wake Forest vs. Northwestern, Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tenn.): Cam Serigne, Wake Forest’s tight end, is a legitimate NFL prospect and potentially the best target the Deacons have on offense. Northwestern barely made a bowl last season, but several impressive wins over ranked teams prove it belongs.

Duke vs. Navy, Military Bowl (Annapolis, Md.): After a few years of challenging the ACC’s best, Duke is back in its normal slot in the middle of the conference. Coach David Cutcliffe is still one of the best in the business, though, so as long as he’s around, the Blue Devils will be also.

Florida State vs. Texas A&M, Walk-On’s Independence Bowl (Shreveport, La.): Yes, even at 5-6, they’re in. After starting the season No. 3 in the country, this year has been a disaster for coach Jimbo Fisher and FSU. But their talent is undeniable, and they’ll end up in a bowl as a result. Against Texas A&M, where Fisher may be offered the head coaching job, is a perfect fit (and story).

Virginia vs. Purdue, Quick Lane Bowl (Detroit, Mich.): Virginia hasn’t been a competitive football school for years, so credit to Bronco Mendenhall for getting the Cavaliers into the postseason in just his second season. Purdue coach Jeff Brohm’s name has been popular in the coaching carousel rumors, but he should be around for bowl season.

This story was originally published November 30, 2017 at 1:58 PM with the headline "Clemson, N.C. State ... and Florida State? Postseason bowl projections for the ACC."