And when they struggled, no one else replaced them. Sure, someone had to win the conference, but for about a decade, the ACC champion was usually not in the Top 5. Clemson eventually emerged (but there was little in-conference competition to excite America). People paid attention to Clemson when the playoff started or if they had a big OOC game against UGa or Auburn. But the damage was already done to the ACC, especially compared to the rising SEC, If Miami and FSU were still on top and the rivalry was the must see game in America every year, things would be different. ** Edited by Maroon Baboon at 7/23/2022, 7:00:14 PM