Clemson vs. SMU Picks & Predictions for ACC Championship
The ACC Championship between Clemson and SMU is set to take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. This game carries significant College Football Playoff implications, with a possibility that only the winner gets into the CFB Playoffs.
We’ll give you the top Clemson vs. SMU picks and predictions for Saturday’s ACC Championship Game, including a game prediction and CFB DFS player picks for PrizePicks.
PrizePicks is the easiest way to get real money action on the ACC Championship and throughout the College Football Playoffs. Just pick more or less on at least two player projections and lock in your Lineup to win up to 1000x your money.
ACC Championship Game: Clemson vs. SMU Picks for PrizePicks
Here are the top picks and player predictions for Clemson vs. SMU in the ACC Championship Game for CFB DFS on PrizePicks for Saturday, December 7. Click to read more analysis.
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- Clemson vs. SMU Prediction
- Clemson vs. SMU Picks for PrizePicks
- Clemson QB Cade Klubnik 2.5 Passing TDs – More (Demon)
- SMU RB Brashard Smith 0.5 Rush+Rec TDs – More (Goblin)
- SMU QB Kevin Jennings 247.5 Passing Yards – More
#17 Clemson vs. #8 SMU: How to Watch, When, Preview
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ABC
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
At the start of the season, we were expecting Miami vs. SMU for the ACC title, as Miami looked poised to dominate the conference. However, Miami dropped two of its final three games, taking them out of contention and allowing Clemson to step in, even after their loss to South Carolina.
That doesn’t mean the Tigers don’t deserve it — this is an excellent team. Their net EPA rank is 22nd (0.122), and offensively, this might be one of the better teams they’ve had since their National Championship years.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik didn’t quite live up to his top recruit billing last year, but we’ve seen what he’s capable of this season. He finished 16th in passing yards (3,041), fourth in passing touchdowns (29), and had multiple touchdowns in all nine of Clemson’s wins.
The Tigers biggest concern heading into this game will be the status of RB Phil Mafah, their leading rusher, who left the game against South Carolina with an injury. He could either miss the game or not be at 100%.
Defensively, Clemson is solid, finishing 30th in overall defensive EPA (-0.055) and 49th in yards allowed per play (5.2). However, SMU averaged 6.7 yards per play against ACC opponents.
The Mustangs are led by RB Brashard Smith, who averaged 6.0 yards per carry this year, along with QB Kevin Jennings. Jennings has proven to be an efficient passer with a 66.7% completion rate and 9.3 yards per completion. He only tallied 19 passing touchdowns, but when SMU gets close to the end zone, it relies on Smith to finish the job.
While these defenses are good, with two top-15 scoring offenses in play, sparks are bound to fly. This could be an exciting back-and-forth game.
The one area where SMU might struggle is turnovers. The Mustangs have a turnover margin of +2 (21 takeaways to 19 giveaways) compared to Clemson’s +14 (22 takeaways to just 8 giveaways). One mistake could cost SMU the game, especially against a championship-caliber coaching staff like Clemson’s.
ACC Championship Prediction: Clemson 38, SMU 35
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ACC Championship: Clemson vs. SMU Picks for PrizePicks
Here are the best Penn State vs. Oregon picks for the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday, December 7, for CFB DFS on PrizePicks.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik 2.5 Passing Touchdowns – More (Demon)
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik will be the key factor if Clemson wins this game, especially if Mafah is unavailable. One of the biggest reasons for Klubnik’s improved performance this year is the better play of the offensive line. He looked more confident, letting plays develop, avoiding forced throws, and taking more deep shots, which opened up the offense.
Klubnik has thrown for three or more touchdowns in seven games this season. He’s also rushed for 437 yards, meaning SMU will always have to watch for his running ability. He’s an excellent passer on the run, which should help him tally at least three scores in this game.
Note: Demon picks add a payout boost to your lineup on PrizePicks, as they are more difficult projections to hit.
SMU RB Brashard Smith 0.5 Rush+Rec TDs – More (Goblin)
When the Mustangs get into the red zone, they are highly efficient, scoring on 84.5% of their trips. They often hand the ball to Smith near the goal line. Smith is reliable with the ball, having only fumbled in one game this season. While Jennings does take risks — he’s thrown seven interceptions this year — SMU cannot afford to waste opportunities in a game where every possession matters.
Smith has scored in all but three games this year, with 17 total touchdowns on the season.
Note: Goblin picks reduce your payout on PrizePicks, as they are easier projections to hit.
SMU QB Kevin Jennings 247.5 Passing Yards – More
SMU QB Kevin Jennings will still play a vital role in this game. He has a big arm and can generate explosive plays. He’s also a threat on the ground, which keeps defenses guessing. Jennings has thrown for over 250 yards in seven of his last eight games.
SMU has kept defenses on their heels all season, and if this game turns into a shootout, the passing game will undoubtedly be a critical factor.
Lock In for the ACC Championship Game
Clemson and SMU will face off on Saturday night in what’s likely to be a thrilling, high-scoring ACC Championship game. The stakes are high for this matchup, because there is a scenario where the loser could be left out, and only the ACC Champion gets in.
Use these picks and predictions to help you get your CFB DFS Lineups on PrizePicks. You can win real money on PrizePicks throughout the conference championships and College Football Playoffs by choosing more or less on player projections.
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