Last season, for the first time in six years, the Clemson Tigers failed to make it to the College Football Playoff. Heading into this season, most expect Clemson to bounce back by drubbing their ACC opponents. Will Dabo Swinney’s squadget back on track? Or will a team like Miami take it to the Tigers? Check out five fearless college football predictions for the Atlantic Coast Conference so you can plan your bets against the NCAAF Odds.
5 Fearless College Football Betting Predictions for the ACC
2022 NCAAF College Football Season
- When: August 27, 2022 – Dec. 10, 2022
Clemson loses at least two ACC games
Clemson’s 2021 wasn’t as bad as many believe. There’s no shame in losing to eventual National Champion Georgia.
There’s also no shame in losing to the 2021 Pittsburgh Panthers and their Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Kenny Pickett. If not for the loss to North Carolina State, Clemson would have finished the season with 2 losses.
2022 is a different season. So, yes, there is reason to believe Clemson returns to the CFP, but there’s as much reason to believe the Tigers remain in neutral.
Clemson may not have solved their most glaring issue, the offensive line. If the Tigers can’t protect quarterback D.J. Uagalelei, Miami will rough up the junior when the Hurricanes visit Death Valley on Nov. 19.
Clemson’s other loss will happen either on the road versus Wake Forest on Sep. 24 or at Florida State on Oct. 15. Either way, Clemson appears destined for at least 2 ACC losses.
Pittsburgh finishes fifth in the ACC Coastal
In 2022, the Pittsburgh Panthers will go through a transition season. The Panthers surprised everyone by winning the ACC in 2021, but this season the Panthers have way too many players to replace in order to challenge for a second straight title.
Pittsburgh should finish no better than fifth in the Coastal. Miami, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Virginia should all finish ahead of Pittsburgh. If the ACC decides not to go with divisions this season, a real possibility, Pittsburgh could finish around tenth in the conference.
Florida State wins the ACC Atlantic
FSU fans will remember 2022 as the season the Seminoles returned to the national conversation. For decades, Florida State was one of the best college football programs in the country.
But since 2018, FSU has been a laughingstock. Not this season. Former Memphis coach Mike Norvell finally has the team he wants.
The defensive line, heck the entire defense, should be a fantastic unit. The rushing attack will be one of the best in the nation. If the offensive line can pass block effectively, FSU should upset Clemson and win the ACC Atlantic Division.
Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman is a Heisman Trophy Finalist
Wake Forest may not win the conference, but Sam Hartman is going to post such incredible stats that the Demon Deacons signal-caller will end up in the top three to win the Heisman.
Hartman had a banner 2021. His 2022 should be even better. If Wake’s defense catches up the offense, Hartman could win the Heisman because that would mean the Deacons win the ACC.
But if the defense doesn’t, and most believe the defense won’t come close to Wake’s offense, Hartman will have to settle for third place. In any case, he should get a ticket to the ceremony.
Miami wins the Atlantic Coast Conference
Mario Cristobal turned down an incredible amount of money, and a never-ending alumni resources, to ditch Oregon and head to Miami. Cristobal must feel he can have great success at Miami.
Who are we to argue? The Miami Hurricanes, like the Seminoles, should once again become national powers. Miami has the defense to go undefeated in the ACC.
If the offense is even half as good as the defense, Miami will win the conference. On Sep. 17, Miami visits Texas A&M. The Hurricanes shouldn’t win the game, but they’ll have a great shot to cover the spread.
Circle that matchup. Also circle the game at Clemson on Nov. 19. Miami will beat the Tigers.