Pat Narduzzi's Case for the ACC as College Football's Best Conference -

Pat Narduzzi’s Case for the ACC as College Football’s Best Conference

Eric Boggs August 20, 2024

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) may not have had a national champion since the Clemson Tigers’ triumph in 2018, led by Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, but Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi believes the ACC is still the best conference in college football. In a recent appearance on The Jim Rome Show, Narduzzi made a compelling case for the ACC’s supremacy, highlighting both its athletic prowess and academic achievements.

“I believe the ACC athletically is an incredible conference,” Narduzzi stated. “I think the quarterbacks we see in this conference, and it all starts with the guy pulling the trigger… I think we’ve defended as a defense here some of the greatest quarterbacks in the game.”

Narduzzi’s comments underscore the depth and talent within the ACC, particularly at the quarterback position. He emphasized that the quality of quarterbacks the Panthers have faced over the years is unparalleled, suggesting that no other conference can boast the same level of elite signal-callers.

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The Pitt head coach also touched on a recurring theme of the ACC being underrated or disrespected in the national conversation. “And I don’t think that happens in every conference,” Narduzzi added, pointing out that the ACC often doesn’t get the credit it deserves despite its consistent production of top-tier talent.

As the 2024 college football season approaches, conference perception will play a crucial role in determining which teams make it to the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). The strength of a conference can influence the selection process, with teams from tougher conferences often getting the benefit of the doubt when it comes to strength of schedule—a key metric for playoff consideration.

The ACC, which will feature a competitive landscape this season, is primed for an exciting year. Clemson aims to reclaim its dominant form, Florida State looks to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2023 season, and Miami continues its quest to live up to its perennial hype. Meanwhile, dark horses like Virginia Tech and NC State, both loaded with experience, could shake things up.

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Narduzzi’s Panthers kick off their season against Kent State on August 31, and while the early season matchups may not make or break their playoff hopes, the conference’s collective performance will undoubtedly be under the microscope. As college football undergoes significant changes with realignment and the new CFP format, the ACC has a prime opportunity to prove it belongs at the top of the college football hierarchy.

For Narduzzi, the ACC’s excellence isn’t just about what happens on the field. He also pointed to the conference’s academic achievements as a point of pride, suggesting that the ACC offers a balance of top-tier athletics and academics unmatched by other conferences.

As conference realignment reshapes the landscape of college football, with the SEC and Big Ten expanding their footprints, Narduzzi’s confidence in the ACC stands firm. He believes that the ACC’s blend of academic and athletic success makes it the best conference in college football, a claim that he and his fellow ACC coaches will be eager to validate on the field this season.