Is Clemson unbeatable or will they finally be knocked off their throne in the Atlantic Coast Conference? Elldee Sports has run the formula for schedules in each conference and come up with projected champions. Today, we will discuss the ACC.
Let’s go ahead and talk about the elephant in the room. Clemson is the 800-pound gorilla in College Football, right now. Although, anyone who has watched NCAA Football for more than 10 years understands that nobody can stay on top forever, just ask USC and Florida of the 2000’s! So, is this the year that they are challenged and ultimately knocked down a peg? Don’t count on it. The ACC is not particularly strong this season and outside of Texas A&M at home, the non-conference schedule is not particularly daunting. Clemson faces Charlotte, Wofford, and travels to a mediocre South Carolina club to close out the season. Additionally, their two cross-over games in the conference are Georgia Tech and UNC, both of which are struggling and will be breaking in first-year coaches. Count on Clemson to reign supreme in the ACC Atlantic once again.
So, who will be there to face the defending national champs in the ACC Championship? Could it be the Virginia Cavaliers and Coach Bronco Mendenhall, who has done a good job of steadily increasing the play of his team? How about Justin Fuente and the Hokies of Virginia Tech, an always stingy defense with an offense trying to turn the corner? While both of these teams can compete in the Coastal Division, after running simulations, it will be the Miami Hurricanes and new coach Manny Diaz who will emerge as the victors. Manny Diaz may be another first-year coach but after coaching the defense for the last 3 years, he is more than familiar with this team. The schedule also sets up nicely as they get a bye week prior to Virginia Tech and follow that up with Virginia in back to back home games. The cross-over games include arch-nemesis Florida State but also a Louisville team that is floundering. Not to mention, the Hurricanes only have to leave the state of Florida three times this season. The prediction has them dropping a close one to the Florida Gators in Orlando to open the season and following that loss up by reeling off 11 straight wins, earning them the right to face Clemson as the Coastal Division champs!
The formula is calling for a Clemson victory over the Miami Hurricanes in a low scoring, hard fought, defensive game in the ACC Championship. This will allow for the Clemson Tigers to once again make the CFB Playoffs. What are your thoughts? Do you agree with this prediction or is this just a bunch of hot air? Until next time, Good Luck!
Elldee Sports
Elldee Sports 