5 biggest nonconference games in ACC for the 2024 college football season

The 2024 college football season is set to be thrilling, especially for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), with high-stakes nonconference matchups on the horizon. The new era, marked by the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, adds to the excitement.

Last season, the ACC had a winning overall record against nonconference opponents, but against other power five conferences, they ended with a 12-14 slate.

Here's the breakdown of the ACC's nonconference record last season: 7-5 versus the SEC, 4-4 versus the Big Ten, 1-4 versus the Big 12, and 0-1 versus the Pac-12.

Five biggest non-conference games in ACC for 2024 season:

#5 Notre Dame vs Texas A&M — Week 1 (Aug. 31)

Kicking off the season, Notre Dame will face Texas A&M in a much-anticipated matchup at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. The game is scheduled at 7:30 PM ET on August 31 and will be broadcast nationally on ABC. This clash will mark the first meeting between these teams since 2001, with Notre Dame holding a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series.

#4. NC State vs. Tennessee (Charlotte) — Week 2 (Sept. 7)

In Week 2, NC State will take on Tennessee in Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game will kick off at 7:30 PM ET on September 7. Both teams are coming off nine-win seasons.

Tennessee's revamped secondary will be tested by NC State’s offense, which will feature All-ACC playmaker KC Concepcion, quarterback Grayson McCall, and transfer receivers Noah Rogers and Wesley Grimes.

#3. Georgia vs. Clemson (Atlanta) — Week 1 (Aug. 31)

Another highlight of Week 1 is the clash between Georgia and Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The start of the broadcast is set at noon ET on August 31 on ABC.

Georgia owns the all-time series lead at 43-18-4, including the Bulldogs' 45-21 win in their last meeting back in 2014. While Georgia has one of the best rosters in the country, Clemson faces questions on offense due to head coach Dabo Swinney’s reluctance to utilize the transfer portal.

#2. LSU vs. USC (Las Vegas) — Week 1 (Sept. 1)

This year's Vegas Kickoff Classic, featuring LSU vs USC, is scheduled to take place at Allegiant Stadium on September 1. Kick-off will be at 7:30 PM ET on ABC, featuring the last two Heisman Trophy winners.

Having lost two consecutive high-profile season openers to Florida State, LSU will look to bounce back and start this campaign strong.

1. Texas vs Michigan — Week 2 (Sept. 7)

The Week 2 match between the Longhorns and the Wolverines at Michigan Stadium is perhaps one of the most anticipated matchups this coming season. Both teams understand the importance of the game as they have their eyes set on qualifying for the playoffs.

Texas wants to repeat the big road win they got last year at Alabama's stadium which gave them a Big 12 title and a playoff berth.

For Michigan, now under head coach Sherrone Moore, they will look to keep their active winning streak going against a top-tier Texas team.