The SMU Mustangs (11-1, 8-0 ACC) meet the Clemson Tigers (9-3, 7-1) in Charlotte on Saturday for the 2024 ACC Championship. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
SMU has put together a stellar inaugural season in the ACC, running through conference play without a blemish with a lone 18-15 loss to BYU on the season.
Clemson, meanwhile, suffered a 34-3 beatdown at the hands of Georgia to begin the season but has since found its groove. The Tigers put together a 6-game win streak after that defeat with only one 33-21 loss to Louisville on their conference schedule.
SMU enters this game as a -2.5 favorite, with the over/under at 55.5.
Let's dive into our SMU vs. Clemson picks and college football predictions for the ACC title game on Saturday, Dec. 7.
SMU vs. Clemson Odds
| SMU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -115 | 55.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
| Clemson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -105 | 55.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
- SMU vs. Clemson Spread: SMU -2.5 · Clemson +2.5
- SMU vs. Clemson Over/Under: 55.5
- SMU vs. Clemson Moneyline: SMU ML -140 · Clemson ML +120
By John Feltman
The ACC Championship should be a great game.
There’s plenty at stake for the Tigers, who will be eliminated from a College Football Playoff berth with a loss. Meanwhile, SMU could earn a first-round bye with a win, pending the rest of Saturday’s results.
Many wonder if the Mustangs would be eliminated with a loss on Saturday, but I firmly believe they're locked in. One-loss teams shouldn’t be punished for a second loss in their conference championship game.
We polled our college football staff on their betting preferences for the side and total, so let's see what they have to say.
SMU vs. Clemson Predictions, Picks, Best Bets
SMU vs. Clemson Spread
Spread Pick: Clemson +2.5
By John Feltman
Our staff is split on the spread, and I agree.
This is a brutally tough game to handicap. The Mustangs and Tigers both have EPA per Play advantages on the offensive side of the ball, and they’ve dealt with a relatively even strength of schedule.
That said, Clemson’s strength of schedule was considerably boosted by its matchup with Georgia in Week 1. The Tigers have played a relatively cookie-cutter schedule since.
Not to diminish either club, but we’re uncertain how good they really are.
Clemson survived a scare against Pittsburgh a few weeks ago, while SMU almost dropped a game to Duke because of six turnovers.
The biggest weakness for both clubs is offset: The Tigers struggle to defend the run, but the Ponies can’t run the ball.
I’m leaving the spread alone for now. If Clemson somehow reaches +3, I’d consider dabbling on the Tigers — which is likely what our staff would do as well with our slight lean toward Dabo Swinney's bunch.
SMU vs. Clemson Over/Under
Over 55.5 | 6 Picks |
Pass | 0 Picks |
Under 55.5 | 5 Picks |
Over/Under Pick: Over 55.5
By John Feltman
Our staff is also torn on the total. However, personally, I’m very interested in the over, which is where our staff tends to lean.
The total opened at 54.5 and immediately jumped to 56.5 before settling at 55.5, so the market seems to agree.
Both defenses are excellent, but both have exploitable weaknesses.
SMU is super explosive, and Clemson is super vulnerable to explosive plays, especially on the ground. MMustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings could eat in the RPO game here.
Meanwhile, teams can take the top off the SMU defense, and Cade Klubnik should have ample opportunities to attack downfield.
I would be shocked if we saw a lower-scoring game on Saturday.
