Even with all the opt-outs, transfers, lack of credibility, and arguably integrity to the college football post-season the games must go on. They still will be in the record books and for some coaches and programs, they are more important than others.
Which three ACC football coaches need a bowl win the most? This is in no particular order.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
The dynasty is over, and Clemson has fallen from the ranks of the elite in college football. An undefeated November that saw Clemson beat Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, UNC, and arch-rival South Carolina salvaged something of Clemson’s regular season to finish 8-4. Now the Tigers face the 7-5 Kentucky Wildcats in the Gator Bowl. In this case, a 9-4 year with a 5 game winning looks a lot different than 8-5 with a bowl loss to an average Kentucky team. With Georgia to start the 2024 season, Swinney could be staring at a 9-8 record in his last 17 games with a loss and an unranked 2023 season. It would be an ugly off-season for Swinney if they don’t win the Gator Bowl, and whispers of the decline of Clemson football will continue to ramp up.
Jeff Halfley, Boston College
Jeff Hafley is 21-26 (12-22) in 4 seasons at Boston College. They lost their last 3 games of the year to finish 6-6 and while I think Hafley is a good coach, the results scream mediocrity. BC has a brutal matchup with a good SMU team that comes in 11-2, and I don’t like Boston College’s chances in this game. Hafley needs it though. He has yet to cross the 6-win threshold at Boston College and after 4 seasons, it’s time to show progress. He either goes into season 5 with momentum or majorly on the hot seat.
Mario Cristobal, Miami
I debated going with Mario Cristobal or Mack Brown for this third spot. Brown sure could use a win, but will it change all that much with a win? He still had multiple NFL QBs with the feeling UNC underachieved. Cristobal could have Miami’s 2nd 8+ win season since 2017. That’s not where Miami wants to be, but it’s a start. Following on the heels of a 5-7 year in 2022, 8-5 seems like a significant improvement vs 7-6 with a bowl loss to Rutgers, and some really noteworthy coaching blunders. The Canes haven’t won a bowl game in 2016. That would also be pretty big for Miami. I wouldn’t want to be Cristobal if Miami loses the Pinstripe Bowl.
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