When the college football season began, it looked like it would be just another year for the Clemson Tigers. They were one of the national championship favorites, and everyone expected them to win the ACC yet again.
Sure, having Notre Dame in the conference this season might throw a wrench in the plan— but they did. The Fighting Irish took down the Tigers earlier this season. If they can do so again this weekend in the ACC Championship game, they will stop Clemson’s ACC title streak at five.
More importantly, they will likely knock the Tigers out of the college football playoffs.
It is not going to be any easier to do the second time around, though. Last time, the Tigers were without their superstar quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, due to COVID-19 protocols. D.J. Uiagalelei did a great job in his place, which has led many to believe Lawrence will do even better this time.
But he might not.
The game is likely going to be a close one once again. That makes the ten-point spread in favor of Clemson appear to be a bit generous. Then again, oddsmakers set the spread how they do for a reason. So, do you take the points or not?
Do you take Notre Dame and the points or roll with Clemson? Maybe what you need to do instead is check out the following prop bets at Bovada for the game. It may be a little easier to decide on some of them.
Clemson Team Total Prop
Over 35.5 (-110)
Under 35.5 (-125)
Clemson has been averaging over 46 points a game this season, making it seem like taking the over is a no-brainer. But the Notre Dame defense is strong. Maybe they can slow the Tigers down this time? Eh—do not bank on it.
This game will be a lot like the one earlier this season—high scoring and a ton of fun to watch. With Trevor Lawrence behind center for Clemson, it would be shocking if the Tigers scored less than 35.5 points in this game.
Take the over.
Best Bet: Clemson OVER 35.5 points (-110)
Notre Dame Team Total Prop
Over 24.5 (EVEN)
Under 24.5 (-130)
The last time these two teams played, Notre Dame rolled up over 500 yards of total offense and 47 points. Their season average has been 37.7 points/game. With people healthy and rested, it is almost hard to see them only scoring 24 points in this game.
But last time, Clemson was missing a few defenders. Was their absence why Notre Dame’s offense played so well? Maybe—but the Notre Dame offense is pretty good as well.
Clemson’s defense being at full strength may slow Notre Dame down some, but the Tigers will not hold them to 24 points. Take the over.
Best Bet: Notre Dame OVER 24.5 points (EVEN)
Clemson – Notre Dame Margin of Victory
Clemson By 1-6 Points (+425)
Notre Dame By 1-6 Points (+650)
Clemson By 7-12 Points (+425)
Notre Dame By 7-12 Points (+1200)
Clemson By 13-18 Points (+425)
Notre Dame By 13-18 Points (+2200)
Clemson By 19-24 Points (+600)
Notre Dame By 19-24 Points (+4000)
Clemson By 25-30 Points (+900)
Notre Dame By 25-30 Points (+6600)
Clemson By 31-36 Points (+1200)
Notre Dame By 31-36 Points (+10000)
Clemson By 37-42 Points (+2000)
Notre Dame By 37-42 Points (+10000)
Clemson By 43 Or More Points (+2000)
Notre Dame By 43 Or More Points (+12500)
No one is getting blown out in this game, so cross all those winning margins off the list. More than likely, the score is going to be high like it was last time and close. But the question is whether the final margin will be more or less than a touchdown.
It is not hard to imagine it going either way.
Now, the Clemson faithful will disagree and say the winning margin will be ‘Clemson by 13-18 points.’ It will either be that or take either team to win by 1-6 points.
Best Bet: Clemson by 1-6 points (+425)
Clemson – Notre Dame Points Range
Between 0 And 20 (+8000)
Between 21 And 30 (+3500)
Between 31 And 40 (+1200)
Between 41 And 50 (+500)
Between 51 And 60 (+260)
Between 61 And 70 (+285)
71 And Over (+295)
The first game between the two saw the final score fall under the 71 and over option. If both teams score their season averages, that is where it would fall this time, too. With Trevor Lawrence playing this time, there is little doubt Clemson will struggle to put up points.
With how Notre Dame carved up the Clemson defense the first time, there is no reason to think they will no do well this time. The score for this game will easily get into the 60s, but it would not be shocking to see it get into the 70s or higher this time, too.
Take either ’between 61-70’ or 71 and over.
Best Bet: Between 61-70 points (+285)
Clemson – Notre Dame Race To 35 Points
Notre Dame (+1200)
Clemson (-140)
Neither (+135)
Both teams have excellent offenses, but they also have good defenses. That makes it seem like neither team may reach 35 points. Trevor Lawrence does give Clemson an understandable edge for this bet. But Ian Book and the Notre Dame offense is no joke, either.
Someone, if not both teams, will score 35 points in this game. If you want to play it safe, take Clemson. But if you are willing to take on the risk for a nice reward, take Notre Dame.
Best Bet: Clemson (-140)
