Conference championship predictions for 2019 college football season

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 26: A general view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals on August 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 26: A general view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals on August 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

No. 23 Virginia Cavaliers vs. No. 3 Clemson Tigers

Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game

Line: Clemson -28.5; Over/Under: 55.5; TV: ABC

Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET; Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, N.C.

Congratulations to the Clemson Tigers for finally having a chance to beat a top 25 team. Unfortunately for them, the Virginia Cavaliers won’t be in the top 25 if Dabo Swinney’s team does actually win this game, meaning just like the Texas A&M Aggies, they will have no top 25 wins going into next week.

Either way, Dabo Swinney had no business complaining. His team had the easiest schedule ever, and all people said was they can’t lose if they want to make the playoff. They haven’t lost yet. So what’s he so upset about if they take car of business? Shouldn’t that be the goal?

On the other side, Bronco Mendehnall is two touchdown losses on the road away from being 11-1 this year. The 9-3 Cavaliers are riding high with a thrilling win over the Virginia Tech Hokies. They have gotten significantly better in recent weeks. Could they pull off the upset here?

Prediction

Despite UVA’s offense rolling in recent weeks, Clemson’s defense will be just too much. They haven’t allowed a touchdown since Nov. 9. That will be the difference in the game. However, the Tigers are so distracted by Swinney being upset at the disrespect that it will take their offense time to get rolling. So they win. But they don’t cover, and the game hits the under.

Clemson: 31 Virginia: 10 (Virginia +28.5; Under 55.5)