With a classic ACC vs. SEC national title game looming, we thought it would be an appropriate time to look at the ACC’s recent success against the SEC.

And to be brutally honest, the ACC has held its own.

It all began with Florida State’s victory over Auburn in the last BCS National Championship in 2013.

In 2014, the ACC swept the SEC in annual, regular-season finales for the first time in 14 years. Georgia Tech upset Georgia. Clemson snapped a five-game losing streak against South Carolina. Florida State snuck past Florida and Louisville came back to beat Kentucky.

In that year, the ACC had more wins against Power 5 teams than any other conference.

So let’s fast forward to 2015. Clemson is clearly one of the best teams in the nation. The Tigers knocked off South Carolina 37-32 for its second straight victory in the series.

Florida State wasn’t as dominant as it has been in years past. Regardless, the Seminoles cruised past Florida 27-2. Louisville rallied from an early deficit to beat Kentucky. Georgia beat Georgia Tech for the SEC’s only victory in the annual rivalry games.

In a season opener, South Carolina did beat North Carolina, which romped through the ACC undefeated before losing to Clemson in the conference title game. On the same weekend, Auburn knocked off Louisville.

Mississippi State beat N.C. State in the Belk Bowl. Louisville beat Texas A&M in the Music City Bowl.

The ACC is a conference on the rise and has given the SEC some trouble. A Clemson victory over Alabama would enhance its reputation.