Clemson strengthened its hold on a playoff spot with a win over Florida State on Saturday while securing the ACC Atlantic, and North Carolina took a big step toward an appearance in the ACC championship game, too. Meanwhile, Miami and NC State are now bowl eligible, bringing the ACC's tally -- including Notre Dame -- to eight. Louisville can join that list this week with a win against Virginia, but it's slim pickings after that.
As for the bowl projections, North Carolina is trending up, and with FSU already poised to kick off next season in Orlando, Florida, there's a good chance the Russell Athletic bowl would take a pass on the Seminoles and take UNC instead. At the bottom, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech are both clinging to life when it comes to bowl eligibility, and they'll go head to head this week. If the Yellow Jackets lose, the ACC looks unlikely to fill a slot in the St. Petersburg Bowl.
Then there's the case of Notre Dame. The Irish are currently in prime position to make the playoff, and a New Year's Six game seems likely. That wouldn't prevent a second ACC team from reaching a New Year's Six bowl, but it would mean one fewer at-large spot is available.
Capital One Orange Bowl (College Football Playoff): Clemson Tigers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Russell Athletic Bowl: North Carolina Tar Heels
TaxSlayer Bowl: Florida State Seminoles
Belk Bowl: Duke Blue Devils
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Pittsburgh Panthers
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami Hurricanes
Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman: NC State Wolfpack
Quick Lane Bowl: Louisville Cardinals
Camping World Independence Bowl: Virginia Tech Hokies
St. Petersburg Bowl: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets