David Teel: UVA’s playoff hopes vanish in ACC title

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thirty-five college football seasons ago, Virginia hosted Georgia Tech in the first-ever November clash of undefeated ACC teams.

The Cavaliers were No. 1 in the polls, an unimaginable height for a long-downtrodden program. The Yellow Jackets, blemished only by a tie with North Carolina, were No. 16.

Conference and national championships hinged on the outcome as a national television audience focused on Scott Stadium.

Saturday night’s ACC championship game presented UVA with its grandest opportunity since.

First outright ACC title.

First 11-win season.

First College Football Playoff appearance.

The endings were dreadfully similar for Cavaliers faithful.

Indeed, this inspiring Virginia team, one forged on the belief of its head coach, endured a gutting defeat Saturd