Rece Davis Names Which Team Will Win ACC Championship Game In 2024

Clemson has failed to meet the lofty standards set under head coach Dabo Swinney over the past three seasons. Last season, the Tigers failed to win 10 games for the first time since 2010, and many experts have wondered if the program can return to championship contender status.

The skepticism stems from Swinney's stance on the transfer portal, which has hindered Clemson's ability to build a roster with experienced players from the portal. The Tigers were the only Power 4 program to not sign a player from the transfer portal this offseason.

On the latest episode of the " College GameDay Podcast ," ESPN's Rece Davis discussed why Clemson's demise is being overblown and predicted the Tigers to make a run to the College Football Playoff next season.

"Reports of their demise have been greatly exaggerated, and the rest of y'all going to come on in on the Roy bus and watch the Clemson Tigers come back to the playoff as ACC champions," Davis said.

"I think Florida State wins the regular season game against Clemson because (it's) in Tallahassee. Clemson wins the rematch because Clemson will be desperate to get in, and Florida State will already have a spot sealed up. I think both teams make the playoff."

Florida State defeated Louisville to win its first ACC Championship since 2014, while Clemson defeated North Carolina to win the conference title in 2022. The Tigers have won seven ACC titles since 2015, including six consecutive championships from 2015-20.

Davis believes Clemson's offensive improvement could be the catalyst for another championship run. The Tigers hired offensive coordinator Garrett Riley last season, and the continuity entering Riley's second season should help the development of quarterback Cade Klubnik.

"I'm gambling that you're going to see some improvement in both of those areas in the second year under Garrett Riley," Davis said.

"They've got a lot of guys coming back on the offensive line, they got four starters back. They got a wrecking ball at running back in Phil Mafah and got some young wide receivers coming in that they're really high on. Don't worry about their defense," Davis continued. "Their defense is going to be excellent, especially up front."

Clemson opens the 2024 season against Georgia on Aug. 31 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ABC.

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