The conference championships are this weekend, and the ACC game in particular will be a great one. Both teams are ranked in the Top Ten and have only one loss.
Clemson has won 16 ACC titles. The Tigers won the national title last year, so they definitely have history and a great resume on their side. Clemson is also riding some great momentum — they have won their last five games in a row, including two marquee wins against ranked opponents. This is not to say that Miami can’t give the Tigers a challenge.
Mark Richt is cognizant of the Tigers playing style. While he was head coach of Georgia, Richt played the Tigers on four separate occasions. In those games, Richt went 3-1.
The teams are well matched, but Clemson’s resume is slightly better. Both teams want to secure a berth in the CFP, and both teams are looking to come back from bizarre losses to unranked teams. This should be a great matchup.
Next: Mark Richt named ACC Head Coach of the Year
Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s ACC Championship action:
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Venue: Bank of America Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
Clemson’s offense isn’t the powerhouse it was in 2016, but they can still rack up points like the national debt. In all but one of their games this year, the Tigers have scored 20 points or higher. Miami’s offense has been struggling, and Clemson’s defense is the best in the ACC.
That doesn’t mean that the Hurricanes will be a pushover, though. Miami excels at tackles for a loss and leads the country in turnover margins. The two teams have a similar offensive style, but the edge might go to Miami’s cocksure quarterback, Malik Rosier. Since taking over as quarterback, Rosier has thrown for almost 3,000 yards and earned 27 touchdowns.
Clemson’s defense will have to shut down Miami’s passing game and will have to get their downfield passing game into gear quickly. Kelly Bryant has accuracy issues, but Clemson’s nasty defensive front should more than make up for it.
Betting Odds
All odds via SportsBook Review
Point Spread: Clemson-9.5
Over/Under: 47.5
Prediction
If Miami plays like they did against Notre Dame, Clemson will be in trouble. Unfortunately for the ‘Canes, Miami will take the field without tight end Chris Herndon IV. Herndon blew out his knee during the Pitt game. This is a blow to Miami, as he leads the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Regardless, Miami won’t go down easily. This ACC game will be much closer than the lines predict. Expect Clemson’s defense to dominate, but Miami to cover the spread.
Final Score: Clemson 32, Miami 28