Last but not least, it is time to dive into the ACC win totals ahead of the 2022 college football season.
If you haven’t been following along, I’ve been writing about WynnBET’s college football win totals to help prepare for the upcoming season. Make sure to check out my analysis on the SEC East, SEC West, Big Ten East, Big Ten West, Big 12, Pac 12 South, and Pac 12 North before betting on those divisions.
The final Power Five conference to tackle is the ACC, which provides a lot of value because there are plenty of teams who could potentially surprise. Let’s start with the Atlantic division, because this thing could really open up if Clemson ends up having another down year.
ACC Atlantic Win Totals
Clemson: 10.5 (Over +105/Under -115)
NC State: 8.5 (Over -130/Under +115)
Wake Forest: 8.5 (Over +120/Under -135)
Florida State: 6.5 (Over -125/Under +115)
Louisville: 6.5 (Over +125/Under -140)
Boston College: 6.5 (Over +110/Under -120)
Syracuse: 5.5 (Over -135/Under +120)
All odds as of Wednesday, June 29. Remember to view our sportsbook promotions to get the best bonuses and offers when betting online.
2021 ACC Atlantic Standings
Wake Forest 11-3 (7-1)
NC State 9-3 (6-2)
Clemson 10-3 (6-2)
Louisville 6-7 (4-4)
Florida State 5-7 (4-4)
Boston College 6-6 (2-6)
Syracuse 5-7 (2-6)
Clemson Back On Top?
It is hard to believe Clemson somehow won double-digit games last year, and even more unfathomable that it was considered a down year for the program.
The Tigers have won at least 10 games for 11 consecutive seasons, a stretch that dates back to 2011. But this program had expectations of reaching the College Football Playoff last year, and ultimately ended up in the Cheez-It Bowl.
And, honestly, not much has changed from last season. This defense is still elite after ranking second in scoring average by allowing 14.8 points per contest. After many of the Georgia defenders left for the NFL, Clemson has arguably the best defensive front in the country. Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee, Xavier Thomas, and Tyler Davis combined for 25.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks alone last season.
The defense, even without coordinator Brent Venables who is now Oklahoma’s head coach, is strong enough to lead Clemson to another double-digit win season. Whether or not the Tigers will return to the CFP could come down to the quarterback position.
D.J. Uiagalelei, who was a Heisman favorite in the preseason, had a disappointing campaign in his first season as the full-time starter. Uiagalelei threw for 2,246 passing yards to go along with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Clemson’s offense ranked 109th in EPA per play last year, while ranking outside the top-100 in both passing yards and passing touchdowns. It was quite the drop-off from what this offense looked like with Trevor Lawrence.
Uiagalelei’s performance in the Spring Game did not do him any favors. He certainly has the arm strength and talent, but has struggled to put it all together. According to NCAA Premium Stats at Pro Football Focus, Uiagalelei produced a grade of 60.6 on medium throws (10-19 yards) and a mark of 61.2 on short throws (0-9 yards) last year.
Cade Klubnik, who was the top quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class, will compete for a starting job. Uiagalelei will likely get a chance at first, but don’t be surprised if the Tigers turn to Klubnik if these problems persist. This team is too talented to be playing in the Cheez-It Bowl again.
Best Bet
I might be falling for the preseason hype a bit, but I really think this could be a special year for NC State.
Dave Doeren’s squad has all the tools to build off last year’s 9-3 campaign. The Wolfpack brought back plenty of key pieces from a defense that ranked 14th after allowing 19.7 points per game. That includes one of the best linebacker groups in all of college football with Payton Wilson, Drake Thomas and Isaiah Moore all expected to lead the way.
On the other side of the ball, NC State will have to replace a couple playmakers but at least quarterback Devin Leary is back to lead the way. Leary is coming off a breakout season where he finished with 3,433 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. His 35 passing touchdowns set a single-season record, breaking the previous mark of 34 held by Philip Rivers.
Leary opted to return for his redshirt senior season rather than enter the NFL Draft to improve his stock. He told Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus that he wants to work on reading the defense with more anticipation as well as his consistency.
A leap by Leary could elevate NC State to the conference title conversation, but just similar production from last year and the defense being elite again might be enough hit the win total. The Wolfpack should start the year 4-0 before traveling to Clemson to begin league play. After that, I wouldn’t be surprised if NC State is favored (or a short underdog at worst) in each of the final seven games.
Best bet: Over 8.5 wins for NC State
