No. 16 Clemson Rallies to Defeat No. 8 SMU 34-31, Secures ACC Title and CFP Berth
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of celebration, Clemson's College Football Playoff hopes were hanging by a thread just a week ago. Cade Klubnik, the Tigers' star quarterback, sat in his car crying after their bitter loss to South Carolina, convinced their path to the playoff had been closed. But thanks to an unlikely twist—Syracuse’s upset win over Miami—Clemson found itself with one final chance to redeem its season.
The Tigers seized that chance in dramatic fashion, with Klubnik throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns, while Nolan Hauser nailed a 56-yard field goal as time expired, lifting No. 16 Clemson to a thrilling 34-31 victory over No. 8 SMU in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday night.
The win not only secured Clemson’s 10th victory of the season but also punched their ticket to the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. With the victory, the Tigers (10-3, No. 17 CFP) will look to head into the playoffs with momentum and a chance to claim their first-round bye.
"It's like when you’re playing outside with friends and your mom says it’s time to come inside, but then she gives you five more minutes," said an emotional Klubnik after the game. "We got five more minutes to play football, and that's how we viewed tonight."
Early Dominance, Late Drama
Clemson came out firing on all cylinders, capitalizing on a mistake-filled first half by SMU (11-2, No. 8 CFP). The Tigers jumped to an early 21-7 lead in the first quarter, thanks to an explosive start by Klubnik, who threw three touchdown passes, including two to Bryant Wesco, who finished with eight catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the opening stanza.
The game seemed to be going Clemson’s way. On the game’s opening drive, Tigers edge rusher T.J. Parker set the tone with a sack-fumble that was recovered by the defense, giving Clemson the ball deep in SMU territory. Klubnik quickly capitalized, tossing a 45-yard touchdown pass to Wesco, followed by a 35-yarder to the same receiver just minutes later.
As the first half wore on, the Tigers continued to build their advantage. A fortunate sequence late in the second quarter saw Klubnik fumble the ball, but tight end Jake Briningstool alertly recovered it near midfield to extend the drive. Clemson would add a field goal just before halftime, taking a commanding 24-7 lead into the locker room.
"We did some things that were uncharacteristic in the first quarter that put us in a hole, and it was hard, but we dug out of it," said SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee.
SMU’s Resilient Rally
Despite the large deficit, the Mustangs refused to go quietly. Quarterback Kevin Jennings, who threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns on the night, spearheaded a valiant second-half comeback. SMU cut the lead to 31-24 with just over seven minutes left after Jennings found Matthew Hibner for a 20-yard touchdown and kicker Collin Rogers nailed a 46-yard field goal.
With the game on the line, SMU's defense stepped up, forcing three consecutive Clemson punts, giving the Mustangs one final chance. Starting at their own 21-yard line with four minutes to go, Jennings orchestrated a masterful 16-play, 79-yard drive that was capped off with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Roderick Daniels with just 16 seconds left to tie the game at 31.
“He looked like a playoff quarterback to me,” said Lashlee. “Hopefully America gets to see him in the playoffs.”
Jennings’ poise and accuracy were on full display as he moved the offense down the field with impressive efficiency. SMU had clawed its way back from a 17-point deficit, and for a moment, it seemed like the Mustangs might pull off the unthinkable.
Hauser’s Heroics
But the drama wasn’t over yet. With 16 seconds remaining, Clemson kick returner Adam Randall fielded the ensuing kickoff and returned it 41 yards to set the Tigers up at their own 45-yard line. With just three seconds left, Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams for a 17-yard gain to set up Hauser’s game-winning kick—a 56-yard boot that sailed through the uprights as time expired.
"I wasn’t sure if he had the leg for it," said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, referring to Hauser's ability to hit such a long kick. "But he stepped up, and he will go down in Clemson lore with that one."
For Swinney, the win was a testament to his team’s resilience. "What a way to win," he said. "We’ve been so close, but we found a way. To head into the playoffs for the seventh time, the heart of our guys really showed tonight."
SMU’s Heartbreak
For SMU, the loss was a gut-wrenching defeat after such a spirited comeback. The Mustangs, in their first year in the ACC after moving from the American Athletic Conference, had been on the verge of earning a first-round playoff bye before their mistakes in the first half derailed their hopes.
"We just didn’t cover the kick well," said Lashlee, acknowledging the game’s final sequence. "Give Clemson credit, they played well early and they finished on the last play."
Despite the loss, Lashlee and his team walked away with their heads held high, knowing they had battled back from a tough situation. "We came back from the deficit, and that shows you how good of a team we are," said Jennings, who remained confident that SMU's playoff dreams were not over just yet.
Key Stats
Clemson: Cade Klubnik, 262 yards, 4 TDs; Bryant Wesco, 8 receptions, 143 yards, 2 TDs
SMU: Kevin Jennings, 310 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD; Roderick Daniels, 4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD
Takeaways
Clemson: The Tigers won the game up front, dominating the line of scrimmage and keeping constant pressure on Jennings, who was forced to scramble throughout the night. Clemson’s defense made key stops when it mattered most, especially on the game’s final drive.
SMU: The Mustangs proved they belong in the playoff conversation, rallying from a 17-point deficit to tie the game late. However, their early mistakes, particularly on defense and special teams, ultimately cost them a chance to pull off the upset.
Up Next
Clemson (10-3, No. 16 CFP) will now await their fate in the 12-team College Football Playoff, where they will have a chance to compete for a national title.
SMU (11-2, No. 8 CFP) will likely await confirmation of their playoff bid, after a season that has exceeded expectations and highlighted their potential.
Final Score:
No. 18 Clemson 34, No. 8 SMU 31
Key Performers:
Clemson: Cade Klubnik (262 yards, 4 TDs), Bryant Wesco (8 receptions, 143 yards, 2 TDs)
SMU: Kevin Jennings (310 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD), Roderick Daniels (4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD)
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
