ACC Football Votes to Continue 8-Game League Schedule

The Atlantic Coast Conference is staying with what works for its football schedule.

Instead of expanding its conference schedule to nine games for each team, the league announced Wednesday it will stick with an eight-game schedule.

Big 12, Big Ten and Pac-12 teams all play nine conference games, while SEC and ACC schools play eight each.

In addition to the eight conference games, the ACC will require all teams to play at least one other Power Five-conference opponent. Alternative options included forcing teams to play two nonconference opponents with the eight-game conference schedule or nine league games with the one extra nonconference matchup.

According to David Teel of the Daily Press, ESPN was a staunch proponent of the two alternatives, hoping to create more interesting matchups for its future ACC Network.

Despite the external pressure, the league chose to stick with the status quo.

Aaron Brenner of the Post & Courier noted the coaches will be pleased:

The tougher regulations would have created a more difficult path to the College Football Playoff. Top programs such as Florida State and Clemson already create challenging schedules, facing two SEC opponents each in 2016, but Wednesday's ruling will ensure consistency for all 14 teams in the conference.