2024 college football odds suggest that SMU could indeed challenge for the ACC title. With a new conference landscape, fans are eager to see how the Mustangs will fare against their new rivals.
For long-time supporters, the shifting of teams into different conferences requires a mental reset. The familiar rivalries and traditional alignments have changed, leaving many to re-familiarize themselves with the current structure of college football.
If confusion arises about which teams belong where, it’s a shared sentiment among fans. The current era of college football is marked by significant changes, driven by NIL agreements and the transfer portal, which have altered the dynamics of team rosters and competition.
Despite the upheaval, two constants remain: college football games will continue to be broadcasted on major networks, and fans can still engage in wagering on their favorite teams.
With that context, let’s explore the revamped Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Traditionally known for its basketball rivalries, the ACC now welcomes the Cal-Stanford rivalry into its fold. These West Coast schools join SMU, which has shown promise in its previous seasons and could be a dark horse contender for the conference title.
Last year, SMU demonstrated a strong performance, winning 11 games and ranking 37th in the nation for offensive yards per play, averaging 6.0. Their defense also stood out, allowing only 4.5 yards per play, placing them sixth nationally.
As SMU ascends from the American Athletic Conference to the ACC, questions about their ability to compete with higher-caliber teams are valid. However, the Mustangs’ schedule offers a favorable start, avoiding many of the top contenders early on.
Among the teams with better odds to win the ACC are Clemson, Miami, NC State, Florida State, and Virginia Tech. Notably, SMU will only face Florida State from this group, and they will host that game, which could play to their advantage.
With a favorable schedule, a robust offense, and a solid defense, SMU has a legitimate opportunity to compete for the ACC title in their inaugural season in the conference. The odds are enticing at 15-1, making them a team to watch closely as the season unfolds.
