5 worst-case scenarios to watch out for in the ACC regarding the College Football Playoff

The ACC's College Football Playoff outlook remains murky. The Atlantic Coast Conference is guaranteed one team, has a path to a potential second team and is unlikely to add a third team. But there are many factors in play. Here's what the ACC wants to avoid to have its best possible CFP day.

5 worst-case scenarios to watch out for in the ACC regarding the College Football Playoff

Clemson is the ACC's most likely second CFP team, and their season will tell the tale for the league in large measure. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

1) Clemson starts stumbling

After a miserable loss to Georgia to open the season, Clemson looked lost. In the words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast." Now, the Tigers are ranked 10th in the nation and are 5-1. That said, ESPN still has Clemson at just a 44.7% shot at a playoff spot.

But a Clemson stumble could be brutal. The ACC doesn't have a clear No. 3 candidate for the playoffs behind Clemson and Miami. SMU has a 27% shot, but that seems unlikely against well-known SEC and Big Ten teams. Clemson needs to stay strong for the ACC to do well.

2) Miami bumbles

To be honest, No. 6 Miami has been lucky. Yes, the Hurricanes are 6-0, but two games came down to the absolute slimmest of margins. But Miami is the ACC's clear No. 1. The league needs the Hurricanes to continue to play well and enhance the conference's overall resume while locking down a secure spot regardless of the ACC title game (more on that below).

3) Or Miami wins out

Honestly, the ACC needs Miami to be good, but not weak... or too good. If Miami goes 12-0 and rolls through an easy ACC title game, it could create a perception that the league is weak behind the Hurricanes. In such a situation, a third Clemson loss in the season (meaning another regular season game heading into an ACC title beatdown) could be a disaster.

What the ACC would probably prefer is a strong second team (Clemson) to win the ACC title game, but have Miami otherwise be 11-1 or 12-0 so that the Hurricanes and the league champion make the playoffs.

4) Chaos in the other power leagues

The best thing for the ACC's situation is for the powers of the SEC and Big Ten to be powers. A 12-0 Texas playing an 11-1 Georgia for the SEC crown puts both teams into the CFP. But it also probably results in a host of 9-3 and 8-4 teams that aren't necessarily more attractive than, say, a 10-2 Clemson team.

On the other hand, if the SEC ended up with a 10-2 team that doesn't play in the SEC title game, that team could benefit over Clemson, depending on the ACC title game. In any case, the ACC isn't getting teams in over Texas, Georgia or Ohio State, but the conference has got to hope it is not dependent on beating out SEC or Big Ten teams with similar records.

5) Group of Five issues

The other possible bid loss could be in the Group of 5. Look for ACC fans to become Boise State fans. They'd love the Broncos to be a superior Group of 5 team and limit those leagues to that single bid. The chance to get multiple ACC teams in could be dependent on going head-to-head with unimposing G5 teams instead of SEC or Big Ten foes.

What do you think of the ACC's CFP situation? Share your thoughts below in the comment section!