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Clemson Tigers Secure Fifth Straight Atlantic Division Title to Earn ACC Championship Spot

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 1:17 GMT by Sporting News

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Who Is Heading to the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte? A Quick Take on the Road to the Decisive Clash

The 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football championship is set to light up Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 2. After a hard‑fought regular season that saw division leaders and the most consistent performers rise to the top, the two teams that earned the right to represent the Atlantic and Coastal divisions are Clemson and Georgia Tech. Below is a concise recap of how each side earned their berth, the key players that will shape the outcome, and the contextual details that add depth to this high‑stakes showdown.

1. The Atlantic Division Winner: Clemson Tigers

Season Recap

• Clemson finished the regular season with a 9‑3 overall record and a 7‑1 mark in ACC play, clinching the Atlantic Division title for the fifth straight year.
• The Tigers’ dominant defense, coordinated by co‑defensive coordinators Dabo Swinney’s veteran staff, stifled opponents with a 3.5‑average yards‑per‑play and a league‑leading 17.3 points allowed per game.
• On offense, Clemson’s backfield was led by the returning star Travis Etienne Jr., who rushed for 1,023 yards and 10 touchdowns. The passing attack, anchored by quarterback Jalen Carter (the “B‑1” backup who stepped in during the last week of the season after an injury to starter Trevor Lawrence), was 2,045 yards with 20 passing touchdowns.

Key Players to Watch

Coaching Edge

Dabo Swinney, the head coach for 16 years, boasts a 12‑year ACC title record. He is widely regarded as the most seasoned coach in ACC football, and his familiarity with the championship setting will be a big advantage. In a recent interview on the ACC’s official site, Swinney emphasized the team’s preparation for a high‑pressure game and highlighted the importance of a balanced offensive attack.

2. The Coastal Division Winner: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Season Recap

• Georgia Tech finished 8‑4 overall with a 6‑2 ACC record, securing the Coastal Division crown and the only team to defeat Clemson during the regular season.
• The Yellow Jackets’ offense, run‑heavy under head coach Geoff Collins, tallied 3,250 yards and 38 touchdowns. Their most productive weeks came against Wake Forest and Miami (FL).
• On defense, the squad was highlighted by pass‑rushing duo of Eric Young and Jason Toney, who combined for 12 sacks.

Key Players to Watch

Coaching Edge

Geoff Collins is making a strong case for his first season, showcasing a disciplined defense and a well‑structured offensive scheme. He’s praised for turning the Yellow Jackets into a team that can challenge any opponent, and the coaching staff’s focus on film study and situational drills will be critical in a championship setting.

3. The Path to the Final

Conference Play Dynamics

• Clemson’s dominant record came largely from winning the high‑stakes 2019 ACC championship and defeating a number of SEC teams on the road.
• Georgia Tech’s key win over Clemson during the regular season (38‑28) was a pivotal moment that not only gave them bragging rights but also showcased their ability to beat top‑tier opponents.

Ties and Ranking

• The ACC’s current tie‑breaking procedure favored Clemson, who held a head‑to‑head advantage over the rest of the Atlantic Division after the 2023 season.
• Georgia Tech finished the season ranked #21 in the AP poll and #24 in the Coaches Poll, while Clemson held the #8 spot.

Historical Context

• The ACC championship game has been played at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium every year since 2015, giving the city a reputation as the “neutral‑site” neutral‑ground for the conference’s best matchups.
• Clemson has won the ACC title five times in the past six years, while Georgia Tech’s last championship win came in 2017, when they upset Florida State on the road.

4. The Stakes and What’s at Stake

For Clemson

• The Tigers aim to secure a 12th ACC championship—an outright record that would solidify their status as a perennial power.
• The game also serves as a final taste of ACC play before the bowl selection process, with the winning team guaranteed a berth in the College Football Playoff, depending on national rankings.

For Georgia Tech

• A win would break a six‑game losing streak in ACC title games and would be the first championship since the 2017 season.
• A victory could propel the Yellow Jackets to a top‑15 national ranking and a high‑profile bowl game.

For the ACC

• The championship game is a showcase of the conference’s growth, featuring high‑scoring offenses and disciplined defenses.
• The ACC has seen increased media coverage this season, with the final game being broadcast on a major network and streaming on the ACC’s digital platform.

5. Final Thoughts: What to Look For

• Clemson’s offensive balance: How well can the Tigers manage a balanced attack in a championship environment?
• Georgia Tech’s defensive resilience: Will their pass rush hold Clemson’s quarterback and front seven?
• Coaching decisions: Both Swinney and Collins are known for their game‑changing adjustments; the clock management and play‑calling under pressure will be crucial.
• Individual matchups: The battle between Clemson’s Caleb Murphy and Georgia Tech’s Eric Young could be a key factor in limiting the opponent’s rushing attack.

In all, the ACC championship game in Charlotte promises to be a battle of talent, strategy, and grit. With Clemson’s seasoned depth and Georgia Tech’s fresh energy, the matchup is poised to deliver an electrifying conclusion to the ACC football season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which team will emerge with the championship banner and how this game will shape the national landscape as the postseason approaches.