Must-See Matchups! Top 5 Must-Watch ACC Football Games for 2024
TJ Inman
Host · Writer
5. September 27 - Virginia Tech at Miami
The Virginia Tech Hokies are generating buzz as a sleeper pick to contend for a spot in the ACC Championship Game. The Hokies return nearly every contributor from a team that went bowling in 2023, and there is excitement in Blacksburg. This game represents an early Friday night test at Miami, another dark horse candidate. Only one of these squads will emerge with momentum and a clear path to contending. The matchup between QBs Cam Ward and Kyron Drones should be highly entertaining.
1. October 5 - Clemson at Florida State
Since 2011, Clemson or Florida State has won the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship in 12 of 13 seasons (Pittsburgh in 2021 was the lone exception). The Tigers and Seminoles routinely play a close contest with high stakes, and the October visit by Clemson to Tallahassee should be no different. Both teams should be ranked, and FSU has ex-Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei, which should add another dash of spice.
2. October 26 - Florida State at Miami
The in-state rivalry clash between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles is not quite the marquee event it used to be, but Mario Cristobal and Mike Norvell might change that. Miami landed Cam Ward in the transfer portal, and the Canes will be a sleeper candidate to make the ACC Championship Game. Florida State is coming off an unbeaten regular season and a conference title and should be among the league's most talented squads.
3. September 21 - North Carolina State at Clemson
North Carolina State was a surprise team in the back half of 2023, and they have the pieces to contend for an ACC crown in 2024. Dave Doeren brought in quarterback Grayson McCall to lead an experienced offense, and the Wolfpack always plays strong defense. They beat Clemson in Raleigh last season, and the Tigers will be looking for revenge in Death Valley. This early-season game will go a long way toward shaping the season for both teams.
4. October 19 - Miami at Louisville
"The Howard Schnellenberger Bowl" will occur between Louisville and Miami on October 19. The Hurricanes hope to break through in 2024, and Mario Cristobal needs a solid season to deliver on his promise of strong recruiting. Louisville had a successful first season under Jeff Brohm, and 2024 is expected to be more of the same, albeit with a tougher schedule than 2023. Both teams will need this game.
5. September 27 - Virginia Tech at Miami
The Virginia Tech Hokies are generating buzz as a sleeper pick to contend for a spot in the ACC Championship Game. The Hokies return nearly every contributor from a team that went bowling in 2023, and there is excitement in Blacksburg. This game represents an early Friday night test at Miami, another dark horse candidate. Only one of these squads will emerge with momentum and a clear path to contending. The matchup between QBs Cam Ward and Kyron Drones should be highly entertaining.
1. October 5 - Clemson at Florida State
Since 2011, Clemson or Florida State has won the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship in 12 of 13 seasons (Pittsburgh in 2021 was the lone exception). The Tigers and Seminoles routinely play a close contest with high stakes, and the October visit by Clemson to Tallahassee should be no different. Both teams should be ranked, and FSU has ex-Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei, which should add another dash of spice.
