2021 ACC Football Favorites, Sleepers and Long Shots
The ACC gears up to bring us another exciting selection of 2021 college football games. This season, Clemson tops the charts once again as favorites to win the conference. Coach Dabo Swinney is on pace to take another national title, however, the playing field looks more level this time around.
Among the pack are several teams that can contest for the title. Other favorites of the ACC include North Carolina and Miami, both of which made major adjustments to their program and utilized the transfer window.
All in all, the Atlantic Division promises to bring us action from both ends. But before all that, we have a look at some of the conference’s favorites, sleepers, and longshot picks. This NitroBetting preview of the 2021 ACC Football gives you a glimpse into the event details, teams, and our very own expert betting predictions. Don’t forget to check outh the latest 2021 College Football odds at out online Bitcoin sportsbook.
2021 ACC College Football Preview
- When: Thursday, September 2, 2021
- TV: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ABC, FOX, CBS
- Radio: SiriusXM ACC Radio
- Live Stream: ACC Football Online
READ MORE: 2021 PAC-12 Football Favorites, Sleepers and Long Shots
2021 ACC Football Favorites
Clemson Tigers
Once again, Clemson makes it to the favorites list this season. Having won six league titles in a row, there’s no question that the team’s system and the lineup are some of the best out there. The Tigers maintain a solid lineup and are ready to make a deep run for another shot at the national title.
Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is primed for another incredible season. Travis Etienne is no longer a part of the roster, but Clemson’s running back depth is better than ever and receiver Justyn Ross returns from injury.
Clemson led the conference in scoring for three consecutive years and there’s a good chance that they continue this streak. Of course, the team’s defensive measures won’t be overlooked here as they are arguably the best in college football. Rising star Trenton Simpson adds more muscle to the group, and the plethora of talent means they can make it difficult even for the best to score.
Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes showed plenty of improvement under coach Manny Diaz. Quarterback D’Eriq King solves the team’s quarterback issues as he is among the pivotal players who can lead the team to a New Year’s Six bowl game. Despite losing King from a torn ACL, the Houston transfer provides the team with energetic efforts and lifts the entire offensive line. The receiving end is in good hands with the addition of Charleston Rambo along with several reliable options behind him.
Ultimately, if the team wants to win the conference, they have to up their defense. So far, Miami’s defense gave up 27 points a game and 5.8 yards per play last season, and Diaz hopes to improve the numbers by taking over the play-calling. The line is aspiring with Nesta Jade Silvera leading the charge and the recent addition of cornerback Tyrique Stevenson from Georgia.
2021 ACC Football Sleepers
Boston College Eagles
The Eagles surprised many when coach Jeff Hafley pulled off a 6-5 in his first year. Now with an improved roster and one of the ACC’s talented quarterbacks, a favorable schedule should give Boston a shot at bringing home more wins. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec returns after a great showing in Chestnut Hill. The Eagles bring back all five starters up front to showcase one of the most threatening offensive lines in the conference.
Moreover, Jurkovec gets plenty of options with Zay Flowers, Kobay White, and Jaelen Gill on the outside. Going over the defense, Hafley’s expertise on defense promises improvement. Boston successfully limited major plays and recorded 21 takeaways in the previous season. All of the aforementioned is enough to bring the team to the sleepers list.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are back with a vengeance after facing injuries and personnel turnover. But now that the team finds more stability with coach Bronco Mendenhall, they are expected to pull off surprising results along the way provided that the schedule goes in their favor. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong starts another strong year after averaging almost 297 yards a game last year, we should see significant improvement from him, along with the offensive line with four returning starters.
Meanwhile, if Virginia avoids injuries this season and linebacker Nick Jackson returns upfront, the defensive line will start to show its potential. Furthermore, the introduction of Anthony Johnson and Josh Hayes gives the team more options at the back.
2021 ACC Football Longshot
Duke Blue Devils
As one of the grittiest teams in college football, David Cutcliffe and company are bound to do some damage if they set off on the right foot. Although the Blue Devils are just 7-16 in the last two seasons, we see plenty of potential coming from the team. For one, Mateo Durant is one of the ACC’s top returning running backs recording 6.8 per carry. His presence, along with four top-five statistical receiving options from last season, makes for an appropriate lineup.
On the other hand, giving up 38.1 points a game and 6.3 yards last year is a defensive concern. If linebacker Shaka Heyward gets more help in the secondary, the team can work their way to sufficient defense in the 2021 season while maintaining their standing as a longshot pick.
Expert’s Prediction for 2021 ACC Football
There’s no shortage of action in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the 2021 season graces us with plenty of betting opportunities. Starting with the favorites, Clemson and Miami are two safe picks for those who want to be on the safer side of things. If you want to mix things up and go for teams under the radar, sleeper picks like Boston College, Virginia, and Pittsburgh provide good value bets. Nevertheless, whichever route you choose to take, the 2021 ACC presents great ways to combine college football action and betting.
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