ACC Moves To 11-Game Football Schedule, Will Allow One Non-Conference Home Game

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced their plans for fall sports in 2020. They will moved primarily to a conference-only schedule which would include 10 games against ACC opponents.

Each school will play an 11-game schedule, 10 conference games and one non-conference game but it has to be against an in-state school or a home game.

The ACC is allowing Notre Dame to play a 10-game schedule against ACC teams and the Fighting Irish will be eligible for the ACC Championship game.

Updates regarding 2020 Fall Sports and Football have been announced.

More info: https://t.co/hBruzjsX0M pic.twitter.com/ebSMVryD2Y

— The ACC (@theACC) July 29, 2020

The conference announced that games will begin the week of September 7-12. The 11 games will be played over at least 13 weeks with two open dates. In 2020, the ACC will put all 15 teams in one division rather than the traditional two divisions. The top two teams will play in the ACC Championship game based off of the two teams with the highest conference game winning percentage.

The ACC Championship game will be played on either December 12 or 19 at Bank Of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, the home of the Carolina Panthers.

All television revenue for the 2020 season, including Notre Dame’s home games that broadcast on NBC will be shared equally by all 15 institutions.

“As we look ahead to the fall, the safety of our students, staff and overall campus community continues to be our top priority,” said Kent Syverud, Chancellor of Syracuse University and the Chair of the ACC Board of Directors. “Today’s announcement outlines a specific path for ACC fall sports to return to intercollegiate athletic competition using comprehensive protocols put forward by our ACC Medical Advisory Group. As a league, we understand the need to stay flexible and be prepared to adjust as medical information evolves in conjunction with local and state health guidelines.”

“Today’s decision was made after months of thoughtful planning by numerous individuals throughout the conference,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. “The Board’s decision presents a path, if public health guidance allows, to move forward with competition. Our institutions are committed to taking the necessary measures to facilitate the return in a safe and responsible manner. We recognize that we may need to be nimble and make adjustments in the future. We will be as prepared as possible should that need arise.”