Pool 1 Bowls include the Sun, Pinstripe, Belk, and Music City/TaxSlayer Bowls (in no order). Notre Dame can replace any ACC team in the Russell Athletic Bowl, Pool 1, or lower provided the Irish are not more than two games behind the team they’d replace. Should the ACC place a team in the Playoff, the 2nd highest ranked team in the ACC would be guaranteed a spot in the New Years Six bowls provided they finish the season ranked 5th, 6th, or 7th. If that team finishes the season ranked 8th through 12th, they would be eligible for an at-large New Years Six spot, but would not be guaranteed of one. This is the case as the ACC’s contract bowl, the Orange Bowl, is a College Football Playoff bowl this year. Rankings are determined by the College Football Playoff committee.
