CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game is set to be a surprising matchup between Duke and No. 16 Virginia .

Both teams have defied expectations to compete for their first ACC championship.

Virginia will almost certainly earn a spot in the College Football Playoff if they win.

However, a victory by unranked Duke could complicate the CFP scenario.

The Blue Devils , who won a five-team tiebreaker, face long odds but have shown resilience.

Virginia coach Tony Elliott sees their success as a validation of the program's progress.

Virginia beat Duke 34-17 on Nov. 15.

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