Clemson vs. SMU: Predictions and odds for ACC Championship
It's been a long road back to relevancy for the Clemson Tigers this season. After losing to Georgia 34-3 in their first game of the year, everyone had written the Tigers off. You have to give Dabo Swinney and his crew some credit for their resiliency. They've stormed back and put together a very solid season, now sitting just one win away from a spot in the College Football Playoff.
That win will not come easy though. Clemson's opponents this weekend will be the SMU Mustangs, who were one very narrow defeat by BYU in Week 3 from going undefeated this season. The Mustangs boast one of the best passing attacks in college football, and their defense is very stout against the run.
Clemson has some work cut out for them, and let's be honest, a lot of people are going to say that they don't deserve their spot in the championship game. Miami had been the frontrunner to take on SMU all year, but a late-season loss to Syracuse pushed them out of contention for a conference title. Still, that doesn't mean Clemson has no shot of winning this game. In fact, they could shock some people come Saturday.
Here's everything to know about the 2024 ACC Championship game.
ACC Championship: Clemson vs. SMU predictions
Eric Froton, NBC Sports: SMU to win
Froton writes, "Looking at each team’s resume Clemson’s lack of a real definitive, signature win is particularly troublesome. SMU’s only blemish was a three-point loss to 10-2 BYU when starting QB Kevin Jennings was still QB2 behind Preston Stone. They smoked Pitt 48-25 and earned wins over 8+ win teams TCU/@Louisville/@Duke. I am backing the SMU moneyline."
Collin Wilson, Action Network: Over 56
Wilson writes, "[Clemson quarterback Cade] Klubnik has more than double the number of big-time throws compared to turnover-worthy plays this season, and he's expected to take advantage of an SMU secondary that ranks 48th in creating contested catches. Look for two offenses that average 25 seconds per play run with haste while using explosive plays to generate plenty of scoring opportunities."
Adam Burke, VSiN: Clemson (+2.5)
Burke writes, "These two teams are just one spot apart in yards per play, with SMU 22nd at 6.47 and Clemson 23rd at 6.45. Where there is a huge difference is on defense, where SMU is 11th at 4.66 and Clemson is 60th at 5.45. Conference games tell a different story on defense, with Clemson, who also did not play Miami, allowing 5.04 YPP and SMU 4.61, so the gap is a good bit smaller. All in all, I think these teams are pretty even. Ultimately, I’ll take Dabo Swinney vs. Rhett Lashlee in the biggest game Lashlee has ever coached in his career."
James Parks, Sports Illustrated: SMU (-2.5)
Parks writes, "Taking the Mustangs by a field goal is an easy pick considering not only how potent their offense has played, but they're also surrendering under 20 points per game."
ACC Championship: Clemson vs. SMU odds, lines
The SMU Mustangs are favorites to defeat the Clemson Tigers, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of Wednesday, Dec. 4 afternoon.
- Spread: SMU (-2.5)
- Moneylines: SMU (-135); Clemson (+115)
- Over/under: 55.5
How to watch Big Ten Championship: Penn State vs. Oregon
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina
Catch College Football championship games with a Fubo subscription
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Paste BN Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.