2023 ACC Preview and Odds: Clemson’s Conference to Lose

Dabo Swinney became Clemson head coach in 2009. The Tigers have been the gold standard in the ACC just about ever since. Clemson won the National Championship in 2016 and 2018. Coach Dabo’s squad has also won at least 10 games every year since 2011. Clemson is one of two clear favorites to win the conference, and they have national title hopes again. Can the Tigers do it? Let’s take a look at some of the best futures bets in the ACC.

Since the College Football Playoff started in 2014, Clemson is second in the country with six appearances. The Tigers have had incredible talent in their program. This year is no different. 

Clemson’s best odds to win the ACC can be found at Fanduel Sportsbook at +150. We recommend taking these odds not only due to the Tigers’ roster, but because of their schedule. 

The Tigers won the ACC last season and return 16 of their 22 starters from that team. That includes one of the top running backs in the country in Will Shipley, defensive lineman Tyler Davis, and linebackers Jeremiah Trotter and Barrett Carter. However, Clemson is expected to roll with true sophomore quarterback Cade Klubick as the starter, replacing DJ Uiagalelei. Klubnick hardly played in 2022 but showed flashes of his promise when he did.

Perhaps the biggest argument for the Tigers to win the ACC is their schedule. As of now, Clemson faces only three ranked opponents in 2023: No. 8 Florida St., No. 13 Notre Dame, and No. 21 North Carolina. All of these games will take place in Death Valley. Expect the Tigers to win the ACC once again.

Florida State projects to be the top contender for the ACC title outside of Clemson. Like the Tigers, the Seminoles retained 16 of their 2022 starters from last season. Overall, FSU has the best team in the conference based on returning production. Considering the Noles won 10 games last year, this appears to be really good.

Florida State’s over/under for 2023 is 9.5, with the best odds coming from Fanduel Sportsbook at -144 to bet the over. We like the Seminoles this season, but we wouldn’t jump on the over yet.

Florida St. is going to be tested right from the start this season. FSU opens the year against No. 5 LSU in a neutral-site game in Orlando, Florida. Then in week four, the Seminoles travel to Death Valley to take on Clemson. It’s possible Florida St. is out of the College Football Playoff picture just a month into the season. They would then have to win out to hit the over. Other possible landmines include: at Pitt, Florida, and potentially a bowl game. It’s not a lock that the Seminoles reach double-digit victories this season.

Almost every year, Miami is hyped up in the preseason only to underachieve once the games start. The Hurricanes were No. 16 in the 2022 preseason football rankings, but finished with only five wins. This season, Miami isn’t ranked to start the year, but it’s over/under is at 7.5. Its best odds to bet the over can be found at Fanduel Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook at +110. We suggest taking the under. The Hurricanes have an inconsistent quarterback in Tyler Van Dyke, unproven weapons, and a defense with too many questions.

There was reason for optimism heading into 2022 for Van Dyke. The signal caller threw 25 touchdowns to just six interceptions in 2021. Last season, he regressed significantly with ten scores to five picks in nearly the same amount of games. With projected difference makers on offense, it’s hard to envision Miami doing much better than its 23.6 points-per-game from last year.

On defense, the Hurricanes do return an All-American safety Kamren Kinchens which is a positive. Defensive ends Akheem Mesidor and Jahfari Harvey are back along with linebacker Wesley Bissainthe. There are some positives for the Miami defense, but there are a lot of questions especially with replacing cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and DJ Ivey. It’ll probably be up to the transfers Davonte Brown and Jaden Davis to pick up the slack. There’s just too many holes on the Hurricanes roster to be optimistic.