ACC season PREVIEW: clemson resumes contender status

The ACC has avoided major change during this current era of conference realignment but it did tweak its format to scrap the Atlantic and Costal Divisions. The ACC will now have a similar approach as the Big 12 with the two top records facing off in the title game.

Here’s what else you need to know about the ACC heading this season.

Clemson (+145 ACC Odds)

After two mediocre seasons offensively, Clemson officially hands the QB reins to true sophomore Cade Klubnik, who impressed observers to end the 2022 season. Dabo Swinney also fired his play-caller and brought in Garrett Riley from TCU, hoping to capture the same magic he used on Heisman Trophy finalist Max Duggan to reach the national title game.

The defense was excellent again and should be equally impressive in the new season. Eight starters are set to return, including leading tackler Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and the entire starting secondary. 

Clemson is hoping to end its two-year hiatus from the College Football Playoff, although the Tigers have won the conference in seven of the last eight seasons. As for this season, they have +1800 (18-to-1) national title odds with a regular season win total of 10.

Florida State (+150 ACC Odds)

Similar to Clemson, the Seminoles are trying to recapture some of the program’s lore. However, their championship drought is a decade.

Following a standout season, quarterback Jordan Travis has the sixth-shortest odds (+1400) to win the Heisman Trophy. Travis had 32 total touchdowns last year and now has former Michigan State wide receiver Keon Coleman as a top target. The running game returns Trey Benson, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and averaged over six yards per carry. Jared Verse leads a defense that added depth across the board via the transfer portal, in addition to returning seven starters.

The Seminoles have a win total of 10 with solid juice (-150) to the under. Last year was FSU’s first double-digit win season since 2016, going 9-3 in the regular season before beat Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl, 35-32.

Remaining Teams’ Odds To Win The ACC:

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