ACC Football Set for Exciting Week with Four Key Matchups

The ACC is in the spotlight this week, and it feels like everyone’s watching. There’s a string of high-stakes bowl games on deck, plus a crucial College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup that could shift the whole narrative.

The conference sits at 3-4 in bowl games right now. Miami’s win in the first round of the CFP has definitely set the tone for a wild week ahead.

There are three more bowl games coming up, and Miami’s got another CFP showdown. Here’s a look at what’s on tap, with some thoughts and projections for each matchup.

ACC Bowl Games: A Week of High-Stakes Football

This week, three bowl games and one CFP battle will feature ACC teams. Each game matters—big time. The conference is looking to boost its bowl record and maybe punch a ticket to the national championship.

Let’s break down each game. Here’s what you need to know, what to expect, and a few things to keep an eye on.

Miami vs. Ohio State: Cotton Bowl Showdown

Teams: #10 Miami (11-2) vs. #2 Ohio State (12-1)

Time: 8 p.m. ET, New Year’s Eve

TV: ESPN

This one’s got fireworks written all over it. Miami, ranked #10, is rolling in with an 11-2 record and some real momentum from their CFP win.

Ohio State sits at #2 with a 12-1 record. Not exactly a walk in the park for the Hurricanes.

• Series: Tied at 2-2-0
• Last Meeting: Miami, 24-6 (2011)
• Line: Ohio State -9.5
• Over/Under: 40.5
• Projected Final Score: Ohio State 24, Miami 17

Ohio State’s favored by 9.5 points, and honestly, their offense and defense both look tough. Still, Miami’s got some fight, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they keep it closer than people think.

Duke vs. Arizona State: Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Teams: Duke (8-5) vs. Arizona State (8-4)

Time: 2 p.m. ET, Wednesday

TV: CBS

Duke takes on Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Both teams have had pretty solid seasons—Duke at 8-5, Arizona State at 8-4.

• Series: Arizona State leads, 1-0-0
• Last Meeting: Arizona State, 36-31 (2014)
• Line: Duke -3
• Over/Under: 49.5
• Projected Final Score: Duke 27, Arizona State 24

Duke’s got the edge by 3 points. The over/under is 49.5, so folks are expecting some points. Should be a tight one—maybe comes down to the last drive?

Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State: Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Teams: Wake Forest (8-4) vs. Mississippi State (5-7)

Time: 8 p.m. ET, Friday

TV: ESPN

Wake Forest faces Mississippi State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Wake comes in at 8-4, while Mississippi State’s had a rougher go, finishing 5-7.

• Series: Mississippi State leads, 1-0-0
• Last Meeting: Mississippi State, 23-17 (2011)
• Line: Mississippi State -3
• Over/Under: 53.5
• Projected Final Score: Mississippi State 28, Wake Forest 26

Even with that losing record, Mississippi State’s favored by 3. The over/under is 53.5, so maybe we’ll see a shootout. Wake Forest will have to get creative on offense to pull this one out.

SMU vs. Arizona: Truist & Will Holiday Bowl

Teams: SMU (8-4) vs. #17 Arizona (9-3)

Time: 8 p.m. ET, Friday

TV: Fox

SMU squares off with #17 Arizona in the Truist & Will Holiday Bowl. SMU finished 8-4, and Arizona has been impressive, going 9-3 and grabbing that #17 spot.

• Series: Tied at 1-1-0
• Last Meeting: Arizona, 28-6 (1985)
• Line: Arizona -2.5
• Over/Under: 52.5
• Projected Final Score: Arizona 28, SMU 24

Arizona’s the favorite by 2.5. The over/under is 52.5, so expect some offense. Arizona’s got the better record and ranking, but SMU isn’t going to roll over. Should be fun.

Conclusion

This week feels like a big one for ACC football fans. Three bowl games and a key CFP matchup? That’s a lot to keep track of.

Every game brings its own set of hurdles and possibilities for the teams. If you want more details or updates, check out Augusta Free Press.