Date: December 7, 2024
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
The ACC Championship Game on December 7, 2024, is set to be an exciting showdown between the SMU Mustangs and the Clemson Tigers. Both teams have solid records and a lot on the line, making this matchup one to watch, especially with potential playoff implications. The Mustangs are rolling in with an 11-1 record, while the Tigers are looking to make a statement at 9-3.
Clemson Tigers
Record: 9-3 (7-1 ACC)
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney
Key Players:
Cade Klubnik (QB): The second-year quarterback has stepped up as a key player for the Tigers, racking up 2,761 passing yards and 29 touchdowns this season. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground keeps defenses on their toes.
Phil Mafah (RB): Mafah has racked up more than 1,012 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns, making him a key player for Clemson’s offensive strategy. His skills in breaking tackles and picking up extra yards after contact will be essential when facing SMU’s defense.
T.J. Parker (DE): Parker has been a standout on defense this season, racking up 9 sacks. His ability to put pressure on quarterbacks is going to be crucial for throwing off SMU’s offensive flow.
Season Highlights
Clemson kicked off the season on a high note but hit some bumps in the road towards the end, especially with a tough defeat against South Carolina. Still, they’ve proven to be tough and flexible, scoring an average of 37.6 points per game while keeping their opponents to just 22 points on defense.
SMU Mustangs
Record: 11-1 (8-0 AAC)
Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee
Key Players:
Kevin Jennings (QB): Since stepping in as the starting quarterback mid-season, Jennings has racked up 2,521 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. His calmness in the pocket and ability to read defenses will be key when facing Clemson.
Brashard Smith (WR): Smith stands out as the top receiver, racking up more than 1,089 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. He’s recognized for his quickness and skills in making big plays. His ability to stretch the field makes him a nightmare for any defensive backfield.
Kobe Wilson (LB): Wilson is a key player on defense, known for his great tackling and leadership. He’ll have to step up and hold down SMU’s defense against Clemson’s strong offense.
Season Highlights
SMU has had an impressive season with Coach Lashlee at the helm, recovering from an early setback against BYU to take charge in the AAC. Their offense is on fire, putting up almost 41 points per game, and their defense is holding strong, giving up just over 21 points per game.
Key Matchups
Quarterback Battle
The matchup between Cade Klubnik and Kevin Jennings is going to be crucial for deciding how this game plays out. Klubnik’s got the experience and knows how to handle pressure, but he’ll be up against SMU’s tough defense, spearheaded by Kobe Wilson. On the other side, Jennings will need to find a way through Clemson’s strong defensive line while taking advantage of any weaknesses in their secondary.
Ground Game
Clemson’s Phil Mafah is going to be key in building a solid run game to take some of the heat off Klubnik. On the other hand, SMU needs their ground game to work hand in hand with Jennings’ passing to keep Clemson’s defense guessing.
Defensive Schemes
Clemson’s defensive coordinator is probably going to roll out strategies aimed at throwing off SMU’s offense, putting pressure on Jennings and trying to cut down on those big gains. Conversely, SMU’s defense needs to work on keeping Clemson’s big plays in check while also looking to create some turnovers.
The bookmakers have made SMU the narrow favorites at -2 points, with the total set at 56 points. Considering how both teams have been playing offensively lately, you can look forward to a game packed with scoring and exciting plays.
I’ve looked at what both teams bring to the table, and I think it’s going to be a tight game that might just go down to the last minute.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: SMU Mustangs: 30, Clemson Tigers: 27