The 2024 season is coming soon, and we are kicking off with some predictions for the 2024 college football season. Today, we’re starting with predictions for the 2024 ACC Football season. I have three win total bets to take, predictions on how the new teams in the ACC will fare in 2024, and my ACC Conference Champion picks for the upcoming season. With that being said, let’s dive into the 2024 ACC predictions.
New Teams On The Block
The ACC is welcoming three new teams for the 2024 season: the California Golden Bears, the SMU Mustangs, and the Stanford Cardinal. Here are my predictions for these new teams in 2024.
California Golden Bears (5-7)
The California Golden Bears put together a good campaign in 2023. In 2024, they got their leading rusher and best offensive weapon, Jaydn Ott, back. California’s offense wasn’t the issue last season; their defense struggled to stop the pass. A defense that allowed 32.8 PPG against a bunch of future NFL quarterbacks isn’t impressive. They have a tough schedule, but I think the Golden Bears can win five games in 2024 for their first season in the ACC.
SMU Mustangs (9-3)
SMU has the highest expectations among the three new teams in the ACC. Preston Stone returns to lead an offense that had a great season last year in the AAC. SMU retooled the offensive line after losing three starters, adding talent through the portal. They also have a great talent at tight end in RJ Maryland, who will be a big factor for this offense.
SMU’s defense looks to build on last season’s success. A key player to watch is edge rusher Elijah Roberts, who should be in talks for all-conference honors. They finished top 15 in yards allowed last year. If the Mustangs want to make noise in the ACC, their defense will need to step up big. SMU has the potential to win double-digit games, but I see them finishing 9-3 in the regular season.
Stanford Cardinal (3-9)
Stanford doesn’t look too promising overall. However, sophomore wide receiver Eric Ayomanor is set for a great 2024 campaign. Last year, Ayomanor was a 1,000-yard receiver, and in year two, he could put up even better numbers. Defensively, the Cardinal have a couple of bright spots, but I don’t think they are built to compete in the ACC this season. The big name to watch on defense is linebacker Tristan Sinclair. Stanford will play tough, but they will struggle to get wins. I see them finishing 3-9 in 2024.
The Don’s Win Total Picks
Miami Over 9.5 Wins +138
Every year, I am all over the Hurricanes’ win total, but this year I am really confident that Miami can win ten games. This offense is deeper than it has been in years past. With Cam Ward coming in, it makes this offense much better, in my opinion. They have two talented offensive linemen, including Freshman All-American Francis Mauigoa and future NFL prospect Jalen Rivers. Xavier Restrepo leads a talented group of wideouts. This offense is going to be a lot better than what people expect in 2024.
Defensively, they have brought in many players through the portal. The big name returning is middle linebacker Francisco Mauigoa. Additionally, edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr is returning for his sophomore season after his amazing ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year season last year. They have lost key pieces, but they brought in enough talent to compete at a high level in 2024. This team will fight game in and game out and will go over their win total by the end of the season.
Pittsburgh Under 5.5 Wins -105
The Panthers struggled in 2023, and I think they will continue to struggle in 2024. They have a talented playmaker in Rodney Hammond Jr., who should see an increase in his numbers with the spread/no-huddle system that 31-year-old offensive coordinator Kade Bell brings to the table. Good news for Pittsburgh is that they return four starters on the offensive line.
Defensively is where Pittsburgh will struggle the most in 2024. They return only two starters from the worst defensive group that Pat Narduzzi has had in his tenure at Pittsburgh. The biggest concern for this Panthers defense is their secondary, which lost three NFL-caliber cornerbacks from last season. Pittsburgh will need to get creative on defense if they want to be bowl-eligible this season. I have the Panthers getting to five wins maximum with their tough schedule that includes games at North Carolina, SMU, and Louisville.
Virginia Under 4.5 Wins -110 (3 UNIT MAX)
This Virginia football team was one of the worst Power Five teams in 2023. The Cavaliers added some talent at the wide receiver position, but there is a question mark about who their starting quarterback will be. The battle between sophomore Anthony Colandrea and graduate Tony Muskett is going to hold this offense back. Head coach Tony Elliott needs to take a step forward with this group, or he will be on his way out.
On the defensive side of the football, the Cavaliers gave up just under 34 points per game last season. They have two really talented young players in sophomore linebacker Kam Robinson and sophomore cornerback Dre Walker. Virginia needs both of them to take a significant sophomore leap to succeed in the ACC in 2024. With their schedule including road games at Clemson, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech, it will be tough for the Cavaliers. They might win three or four games, but I don’t see this group going over their win total mark. This is a three-unit max play for the Don.
Conference Champion Picks
In my eyes, there is one legitimate contender and a sleeper pick that would be worth the value. My sleeper pick is NC State +700 for one unit. The Wolfpack got a favorable conference schedule this season with the new additions to the ACC. Grayson McCall will be the signal caller that this offense needs, and I am beyond excited to see what the Wolfpack will look like in 2024.
Now my legitimate contender and the pick that I am going to throw three units on to win the ACC is none other than Florida State +280. The Seminoles lose a lot from last year’s team. However, they bring in DJ Uiagalelei, who I think is the best quarterback in the conference, which will help this offense maintain its high level from last season. Defensively, this team will shine. With a defense as good as I believe it will be, the Seminoles are going to win the ACC again in 2024.
