For the ACC, parity comes at a price: no CFP appearance

FILE - Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson reacts during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. For the first time since the College Football Playoff was introduced in 2014, the ACC will not be part of the four-team elimination format. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

FILE - Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi on the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Virginia, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Pittsburgh. For the first time since the College Football Playoff was introduced in 2014, the ACC will not be part of the four-team elimination format. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

FILE - Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett throws a pass against North Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, in Pittsburgh. For the first time since the College Football Playoff was introduced in 2014, the ACC will not be part of the four-team elimination format. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

FILE - Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney yells towards the players in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Clemson, S.C. For the first time since the College Football Playoff was introduced in 2014, the ACC will not be part of the four-team elimination format. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)