The 2024 ACC Championship Game is set to showcase No. 8 SMU against No. 17 Clemson, with significant implications for the College Football Playoff. The winner is practically guaranteed a spot as one of the top five ranked conference champions. SMU has enjoyed a remarkable season, finishing with an 11-1 record and going undefeated (8-0) in their first year in the ACC. Conversely, Clemson holds a record of 9-3, having gone 7-1 in conference play.
Kickoff for this highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Although both teams have extensive histories in college football, this will mark their inaugural meeting. According to the latest betting odds, SMU is favored by 2.5 points, with an over/under set at 55.5 total points. The SportsLine Projection Model offers predictions for this matchup based on simulations of the game, boasting a successful betting track record.
For SMU, head coach Rhett Lashlee is experiencing his third season at the school, leading the team to an impressive second consecutive 11-win season. The Mustangs were initially projected to finish seventh in the ACC, defying expectations significantly. Quarterback Kevin Jennings was chosen to replace the previous season’s top performer, which turned out to be a strategic move that helped the team go undefeated in conference play. SMU’s defense has also tightened, allowing just 13 points and 427 total yards in their recent victories.
On the other hand, Clemson, under the leadership of coach Dabo Swinney, has faced struggles in recent seasons, missing the College Football Playoff since 2019. Despite this, the Tigers are still immensely talented, with their losses occurring against formidable opponents including a top-ranked Georgia and South Carolina. Quarterback Cade Klubnik stands out as a key player, having thrown for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns this season while also contributing significantly on the ground.
The SportsLine model favors a total score going over the set line, projecting around 60 combined points for the game, and identifies one side of the spread as hitting over 60% of the time.
As both teams prepare for this historic matchup, fans can expect a thrilling contest with significant consequences in the landscape of college football.
In summary, this championship game represents not only a battle for the title but also a chance for either SMU or Clemson to secure its place in the College Football Playoff, making it an exciting event for fans and players alike. The stakes are high, and regardless of the outcome, both programs have displayed remarkable resilience and skill throughout the season.