The upcoming 2024 ACC Championship Game is set to showcase a thrilling clash between the No. 8 James Madison University (JMU) Mustangs and the No. 17 Clemson Tigers, with significant stakes as the winner is likely to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff as one of the top five ranked conference champions. The Mustangs boasted an impressive 11-1 finish this season, completing an undefeated 8-0 run in their inaugural season in the ACC. On the other hand, the Tigers wrapped up their regular season at 9-3, with a commendable 7-1 conference record.
Throughout the season, the Mustangs have surpassed expectations, going 7-4 against the spread, while Clemson’s record against the spread stood at 5-7. Ahead of the game, Clemson’s head coach mentioned that star running back Phil Mafah is managing a “little injury,” prompting uncertainty about his availability for the championship match.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The latest betting odds favor the Mustangs by 2.5 points, with the over/under for the game set at 55.5 points. Before placing any bets, enthusiasts can refer to the college football predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has proven successful with its betting insights, having generated over $2,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated picks.
SMU’s coach Rhett Lashlee is in his third year with the team, aiming for a second consecutive 11-win season. Last year, the Mustangs ended the season ranked No. 24, marking their first ranked year since 1984, despite being initially expected to finish seventh in the ACC. Lashlee’s decision to replace last year’s standout quarterback, Preston Stone, with Kevin Jennings has proven effective, sparking a perfect season in conference play. The SMU defense has also tightened up significantly, conceding only 13 points across a pair of recent victories.
Clemson, under Coach Dabo Swinney, is a team that continues to harbor high potential despite recent challenges, having lost at least three games over the past four seasons. The Tigers have faced tough competition, losing to ranked opponents and showcasing their resilience in close games. Quarterback Cade Klubnik stands out as a key player for Clemson, having amassed over 3,000 yards passing, 29 touchdown throws, and additional rushing success.
As both teams prepare for the championship, the SportsLine model leans towards an outcome where the total points scored exceeds the projected 60 points. The analysis indicates that one side of the spread has a success rate of over 60%.
Ultimately, this championship presents an opportunity for both teams to not only compete for a title but to further establish themselves on the national stage. Regardless of the final outcome, the game promises to be an exciting display of talent and determination, offering fans a memorable matchup in college football history.
Summary: The 2024 ACC Championship pits No. 8 SMU against No. 17 Clemson, with significant College Football Playoff implications. SMU boasts an 11-1 record, excelling in their first ACC season, while Clemson aims to capitalize on its talented roster despite recent struggles. The game is poised to be a thrilling competition with high stakes for both teams and is predicted to feature a strong offensive display. The match offers a chance for both programs to solidify their status in college football moving forward.