Week 1 of ACC college football is officially upon us, featuring a full slate of games that promise excitement from Thursday through Sunday. This week’s action includes several high-stakes matchups that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Among the most anticipated games is the clash between Clemson and No. 11 LSU, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. This matchup marks the debut of head coach Lane Kiffin at LSU, and fans are eager to see how the team performs under his leadership. Kiffin has made headlines with his aggressive recruitment strategy, bringing in several former NFL players through the transfer portal. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, who comes from Arizona State, is expected to be a key player for the Tigers, known for his ability to extend plays and make accurate throws.
Clemson, on the other hand, is looking to make a statement with their starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who will be making his first appearance against a formidable LSU defense. With running back Gideon Davidson returning, the Tigers hope to establish a strong ground game to support their rookie signal-caller. However, facing a well-rounded LSU team will be a significant challenge. The predicted final score for this matchup is LSU 27, Clemson 14.
Another notable game features No. 24 Louisville taking on No. 9 Ole Miss on Sunday. This contest could either be a nail-biter or a decisive victory for Ole Miss. Louisville enters the game with a revamped offensive line, bolstered by four incoming transfers, and former Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz leading the charge. The Cardinals will rely heavily on star running back Isaac Brown, who is crucial for their fast-paced offensive strategy.
Ole Miss returns both quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, and their defense is expected to be a strong point this season under head coach Pete Golding. The addition of linebacker Keaton Thomas from Baylor further strengthens their defensive lineup. While Louisville aims to keep pace, Ole Miss is favored to win, with a predicted score of Ole Miss 31, Louisville 21.
On Monday, No. 19 SMU will face Florida State, who struggled in their opening game against New Mexico State, winning 34-17. Quarterback Ashton Daniels will need to improve significantly to lead the Seminoles against a tough SMU team. The Mustangs’ Kevin Jennings returns as a key player, and with most of their offensive line intact from last season, they are poised to challenge Florida State’s defense. The anticipated final score for this matchup is SMU 34, Florida State 24.
In addition to these marquee matchups, several other games will take place throughout the week. Here are the quick predictions for the remaining ACC games:
Akron vs. Wake Forest: Wake Forest 38, Akron 13
Colorado vs. Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech 27, Colorado 21
No. 7 Miami vs. Stanford: Miami 38, Stanford 24
New Hampshire vs. Syracuse: Syracuse 34, New Hampshire 10
Miami (OH) vs. Pittsburgh: Pitt 27, Miami (OH) 13
Boston College vs. Cincinnati: Cincinnati 17, Boston College 13
Tulane vs. Duke: Duke 21, Tulane 20
VMI vs. Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech 41, VMI 6
UCLA vs. Cal: Cal 31, UCLA 28
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