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Clemson wins ACC Championship, punches College Football Playoff ticket with walk-off field goal against SMU

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Against all odds, Clemson is headed back to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020. The Tigers secured a berth with a 34-31 win against SMU in the ACC Championship Game Saturday evening. 

SMU made things very interesting in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs spent the second half slowly chipping away at Clemson's 24-7 lead and drew within seven points with just under seven minutes left remaining in the fourth quarter. 

Then SMU got the ball back with all three timeouts and 4:01 left. Quarterback Kevin Jennings seemingly sent the game to overtime with a four-yard touchdown completion to wide receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. 

But Clemson ripped off a long kick return and quarterback Cade Klubnik hit wide receiver Antonio Williams for a gain of 17 to SMU's 40-yard line. There, Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser booted an ACC Championship Game record 56-yard kick to give the Tigers their first ACC title since 2022. 

Clemson will be the first -- and perhaps the only -- three-loss team to make a playoff field. That's reality in a 12-team format that allows the five highest-ranked conference champions to automatically secure a spot. 

Not that the Tigers didn't earn their way in. They rode a 21-point first quarter, in which quarterback Cade Klubnik became the first player to ever toss three touchdowns in the opening frame of the ACC Championship Game.

Klubnik, an Austin, Texas product, dazzled against the Dallas-based Mustangs by tossing four touchdowns. He had four touchdowns, including one in the third quarter to tight end Jake Briningstool that gave Clemson a cushion down the stretch. 

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Kicking serendipity for Clemson 

Special teams haven't exactly been special for Clemson this season. Entering Saturday's ACC Championship Game, the Tigers led the nation with six blocked kicks through 12 games. 

So there was naturally some worry when freshman Nolan Hauser took the field for his 56-yard boot. The snap was clean, the boot went past the line of scrimmage and it had enough air behind it to be good from 60. 

It was a special moment for Hauser, who spent his prep days kicking for William Amos Hough High School, less than 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte. Hauser, who missed from 44 yards out early in the second quarter, also made just one kick of at least 50 yards during the regular season. 

December 8, 2024, 5:20 AM
Dec. 08, 2024, 12:20 am EST
 
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SMU's future in limbo 

Final: No. 17 Clemson 34, No. 8 SMU 31 

SMU opened the door for doubt about its legitimacy, which is a dangerous thing to do given the College Football Playoff Selection Committee's history of mercurial decisions. The Mustangs' fate will come down to the next several hours of deliberation, as the playoff's movers and shakers try to decide whether or not to punish SMU for a 13th data point that most FBS teams do not have to worry about. 

On one hand, it seems the Mustangs did enough to make a 12-team field by winning 11 games and finishing the regular season undefeated in conference play. Those 11 wins also came with an average scoring margin of 19.4 points per game. 

But SMU's résumé lacks in overall quality. The Mustangs don't have a single win against a current-ranked team. In fact, they went 0-2 in such games following Saturday's loss to Clemson. 

SMU did keep the final margin in the ACC Championship Game respectable after falling behind 24-7 at halftime, which might just be enough to earn it the benefit of the doubt in the committee's eyes. The Mustangs face an agonizing wait for Sunday's selection show, though. 

December 8, 2024, 4:57 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 11:57 pm EST
 
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Clemson wins a thriller 

Final: No. 17 Clemson 34, No. 8 SMU 31 

Against all odds, Clemson is headed back to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020. The Tigers secured a berth with a 34-31 win against SMU in the ACC Championship Game Saturday evening. 

SMU made things very interesting in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs spent the second half slowly chipping away at Clemson's 24-7 lead and drew witin seven points with just under seven minutes left remaining in the fourth quarter. 

Then SMU got the ball back, with all three timeouts and 4:01 left. Quarterback Kevin Jennings seemingly sent the game to overtime with a four-yard touchdown completion to wide receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. 

But Clemson ripped off a long kick return and quarterback Cade Klubnik hit wide receiver Antonio Williams for a gain of 17 to SMU's 40-yard line. There, Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser booted an ACC Championship Game record 56-yard kick to give the Tigers their first ACC title since 2022. 

Clemson will be the first and, perhaps, the only three-loss team to make a playoff field. That's reality in a 12-team format that allows the five highest-ranked conference champions to automatically secure a spot. 

Not that the Tigers didn't earn their way in. They rode a 21-point first quarter, in which quarterback Cade Klubnik became the first player to ever toss three touchdowns in the opening frame of the ACC Championship Game.

Klubnik, an Austin, Texas product, dazzled against the Dallas-based Mustangs by tossing four touchdowns. He had four touchdowns, including one in the third quarter to tight end Jake Briningstool that gave Clemson a cushion down the stretch. 

December 8, 2024, 4:50 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 11:50 pm EST
 
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SMU ties it up

End 4Q: No. 17 Clemson 31, No. 8 SMU 31

Barring some late-game chicanery, we are headed to overtime. SMU just executed a masterful 16-play, 79-yard drive that took 3:49 off the clock and, most importantly, tied the game up. Quarterback Kevin Jennings hit Roderick Daniels Jr. for a 4-yard touchdown. 

December 8, 2024, 4:45 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 11:45 pm EST
 
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SMU cuts it to one possession 

Mid 4Q: No. 17 Clemson 31, No. 8 SMU 24

Buckle up, Clemson is letting SMU hang around and the Mustangs are slowly capitalizing. They got the ball to Clemson's 20-yard line, but a couple of penalties -- including a holding on third down -- back them out of realistic touchdown range. Still, kicker Collin Rogers came through with a 46-yard field goal to keep this game close and provide SMU hope as the fourth quarter enters crunch time. 

December 8, 2024, 4:23 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 11:23 pm EST
 
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SMU benefits from controversial no-call 

SMU just produced its biggest stop of the game, but it didn't come without controversy. On third-and-long, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik scrambled while keeping his eyes downfield for a pass. As he rolled to his left, it appeared as if an SMU defender grabbed his face mask. Officials did not throw a flag, and SMU's Cameron Robertson got to Klubnik for an eight-yard sack. Clemson was forced to punt as a result. 

December 8, 2024, 4:08 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 11:08 pm EST
 
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SMU not going away quietly

Early 4Q: No. 17 Clemson 31, No. 8 SMU 21 

SMU didn't hear a bell. The Mustangs need a lot to go their way to have a realistic shot of winning this game, but style points still matter in the eyes of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. So quarterback Kevin Jennings' 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Matthew Hibner could be huge for SMU, regardless of the final score of Saturday night's game. Hibner was crucial for SMU on that scoring drive, as he had two catches for 50 yards and the score. A quick stop on defense and the Mustangs could have something brewing. 

December 8, 2024, 4:01 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 11:01 pm EST
 
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Clemson closing in on huge win 

End 3Q: No. 17 Clemson 31, No. 8 SMU 14 

Clemson is closing in on its first College Football Playoff appearance since 2020. The Tigers still have 15 minutes to go, but they hold a three-possession lead as the clock turns towards the fourth quarter. 

At one point, it looked as if SMU was going to battle back into this game. The Mustangs forced a quick stop to open the third quarter and then scored on a 10-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Kevin Jennings and running back Brashard Smith to draw within 10 points. 

The Tigers punted twice in the third quarter before embarking on a 10-play, 58-yard drive with time running thin. Quarterback Cade Klubnik's 5-yard pass to tight end Jake Briningstool put Clemson back up by three possessions. Klubnik is up to four touchdowns passing on the night. 

December 8, 2024, 3:56 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 10:56 pm EST
 
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Clemson pulling away 

Late 3Q: No. 17 Clemson 31, SMU 14

SMU had a slight glimmer of hope when it opened the third quarter with a quick stop and touchdown drive, but the Tigers just slammed the door with a big response near the end of the third quarter. On third-and-goal, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik dropped back and delivered a quick 5-yard strike to tight end Jake Briningstool, who secured the ball as he fell to the turf. Provided the Tigers can close with their three-possession lead, they're closing in on becoming the first three-loss team to make the College Football Playoff. 

December 8, 2024, 3:51 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 10:51 pm EST
 
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SMU's defense answers the bell 

The Mustangs are starting to make some very timely plays. After a crucial touchdown in the third quarter, it looked as if Clemson was going to respond with a strong drive of its own. The Tigers eased their way to SMU's 41-yard line with a series of chunk gains. But on third-and-6, SMU's defense ripped into the backfield and sacked Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik for a big loss, knocking the Tigers out of scoring range and slamming the door on a once-promising possession. Momentum is slowly starting to shift in this one, though SMU -- down 10 -- still has plenty of work to do. 

December 8, 2024, 3:35 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 10:35 pm EST
 
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There's SMU 

Early 3Q: No. 17 Clemson 24, No. 8 SMU 14

It would be hard to script a more ideal start to the second half for SMU. The Mustangs did everything they had to do to keep this game from spiraling out of control. They forced a quick punt from Clemson, which opened the second half with the ball, and then got a series of chunk gains that led them to the red zone. There, SMU quarterback faked a draw play and then delivered a nice ball to a wide-open Brashard Smith for a crucial touchdown.

December 8, 2024, 3:28 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 10:28 pm EST
 
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Clemson RB room getting banged up 

Clemson's running back room is starting to wear thin. Star running back Phil Mafah has played for most of this game, but it's clear that he's dealing with injury issues. Then, on the opening kickoff in the second half, Jay Haynes suffered a brutal looking injury and remained down on the field for an extended period of time while trainers work on him. The Tigers may have to get creative with their approach to running the ball moving forward. 

December 8, 2024, 3:17 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 10:17 pm EST
 
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Clemson cruising at the half 

HALF: No. 17 Clemson 24, SMU 7 

Clemson has its eyes firmly on the College Football Playoff. There's still 30 minutes to play in the ACC Championship Game, but the Tigers are in firm control after a dominant first half. 

Things actually slowed down a bit in the second quarter after Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik tossed three touchdowns in the first quarter -- an ACC Championship Game first. The Tigers were able to tack a 44-yard field goal onto their lead in the second quarter, giving them their first three-possession advantage of the game. 

It feels like a minor miracle that SMU is only down by 17 points. The Mustangs have hurt themselves with all kinds of avoidable mistakes. Two of their first-quarter drives ended in turnovers, including a fumble on their opening possession of the game that gave Clemson the ball on SMU's 33-yard line. SMU also had three personal foul penalties in the first half, one of which gave Clemson an automatic first down on third-and-long. The other two came on punt coverage. 

The Mustangs have a lot of work to do in the second half if they want to at least make this one respectable, which could be crucial as the College Football Playoff Selection Committee makes their final deliberations. Clemson will start the second half with the ball. 

December 8, 2024, 2:38 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 9:38 pm EST
 
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Crunch-time for SMU 

SMU has a chance to take some momentum into the second half, but the Mustangs are going to have to find another gear. They had a nice drive going before yet another penalty -- this time an ineligible man downfield call -- took some steam out of the drive. Still, after a quick timeout, SMU will have the ball on Clemson's 41-yard line. It has the opportunity to at least tack a field goal on. 

December 8, 2024, 2:46 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 9:46 pm EST
 
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Clemson extends its lead 

Late 2Q: No. 17 Clemson 24, SMU 7 

No kicking problems this time. Tigers kicker Nolan Hauser, who missed a 44-yard field goal earlier in the game, just nailed a 44-yarder to extend Clemson's lead to three possessions for the first time all game. That capped a seven-play, 18-yard drive for the Tigers, who had excellent field position after yet another personal foul penalty on SMU. 

December 8, 2024, 2:30 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 9:30 pm EST
 
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SMU can't get out of its own way 

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee is about to come unhinged. The Mustangs have done nothing but hurt themselves tonight. They just had to punt the ball away, deep in their own territory. Clemson returner Antonio Williams called for the fair catch while the ball was in the air. He fielded the punt cleanly, and an SMU gunner immediately speared him to the ground. With the extra penalty yardage, Clemson will start with the ball in SMU territory yet again. 

December 8, 2024, 2:22 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 9:22 pm EST
 
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SMU responds with its own miss

Dueling special teams errors in Charlotte. SMU had a chance to creep back in after Clemson missed a 44-yard kick, and the Mustangs moved the ball all the way to Clemson's 32-yard line. But a loss of six on first-and-10 was too much to overcome and, on fourth-and-14, SMU lined up to try a 53-yard field goal. It didn't even reach the uprights. 

December 8, 2024, 2:11 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 9:11 pm EST
 
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Clemson can't capitalize 

Clemson just had its first major mistake of the day. The Tigers took over deep in SMU territory after Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings threw an ill-advised interception, but SMU's defense buckled down and forced Clemson into a fourth-and-4. The ensuing 44-yard field goal missed, keeping Clemson's lead at just two possessions. 

December 8, 2024, 2:05 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 9:05 pm EST
 
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Clemson dominant thus far

End 1Q: No. 17 Clemson 21, SMU 7 

Clemson, appropriately, is playing like a team with a lot on the line. The Tigers are dominating in just about every phase of the game thus far. They've put themselves in prime position all night, thanks to a litany of SMU mistakes. 

The Mustangs turned the ball over twice in the first quarter, including a fumble on their opening drive that allowed Clemson to score a quick touchdown. Near the end of the first quarter, quarterback Kevin Jennings threw an interception that gave the Tigers the ball on SMU's 47-yard line. 

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has taken full advantage of every opportunity provided him thus far. The Austin, Texas product completed eight passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns. He is the first quarterback to throw three touchdowns in the first quarter of the ACC Championship Game. 

December 8, 2024, 1:59 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 8:59 pm EST
 
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Clemson's defense forces another big turnover

Nightmare scenario for SMU. The Mustangs desperately needed to engineer some offense to keep their heads above water, but on third-and-9 quarterback Kevin Jennings threw a very ill-advised pass that was intercepted by Clemson defensive back Khalil Barnes. Clemson is now in prime scoring position with an opportunity to open a 21-point lead.

December 8, 2024, 1:56 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 8:56 pm EST
 
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Clemson scores on big play

LATE 1Q: No. 17 Clemson 21, SMU 7

After a roughing the passer penalty by SMU extended the drive for Clemson, the Tigers made them pay. Klubnik connected with Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 43-yard touchdown. Klubnik has been sharp tonight and has completed 5 of 6 attempts for 106 yards and three touchdowns. This is a dream start for Clemson.

 
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SMU answers 

Mid 1Q: No. 17 Clemson 14, SMU 7 

This one was in danger of spiraling out of control early, but SMU just stemmed the bleeding with an important touchdown. Quarterback Kevin Jennings kept the ball on a read option and sprinted, untouched, into the end zone from 24 yards out. The Mustangs will also get a chance to play field position this time around, as both of Clemson's drives thus far have started deep in SMU territory thanks to a fumble and a personal foul call on a punt return. 

December 8, 2024, 1:38 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 8:38 pm EST
 
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Clemson surging ahead 

Early 1Q: No. 17 Clemson 14, SMU 0 

Two touchdowns in less than five minutes for Clemson, who benefited from a personal foul penalty on an SMU punt to get plus position at the Mustangs' 28-yard line. The Tigers moved the ball into the red zone with a quick pitch on a sweep and then Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik hit tight end Jake Briningstool for a 5-yard touchdown. The bid-stealing Tigers are in full command thus far. As for the Mustangs, this is the largest deficit they have faced all season.

December 8, 2024, 1:31 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 8:31 pm EST
 
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Clemson makes it look easy

Early 1Q: No. 17 Clemson 7, No. 8 SMU 0

Complementary football, folks. After Clemson's defense came up with the strip sack, it did not take long for the offense to take full advantage. Quarterback Cade Klubnik acted like he was going to run on a draw play but pulled up at the last minute and delivered a deep bomb to a wide open Bryant Wesco, who finished the play by sprinting into the end zone untouched. Hot start for the Tigers, who have their College Football Playoff hopes on the line. 

December 8, 2024, 1:22 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 8:22 pm EST
 
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Clemson's defense comes up big 

Clemson could not have asked for a better start to the night's proceedings. SMU opened with the ball and picked up some early momentum with a pair of nice runs. But on second-and-7 from SMU's 41-yard line, Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings was sacked and fumbled the ball. Tigers defender T.J. Parker was credited with the strip and the recovery.

December 8, 2024, 1:19 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 8:19 pm EST
 
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SMU set to get things started

SMU won the opening coin toss and decided to take the ball, which means that the Mustangs will get a chance to set the tone in their first-ever ACC Championship Game appearance. SMU has fielded one of the nation's most explosive offenses this season behind breakout quarterback Kevin Jennings, who entered the year as his team's No. 2 option before eventually working his way into the starting role. 

December 8, 2024, 1:16 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 8:16 pm EST
 
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Clemson vs. SMU prediction 

This will be, arguably, the biggest test that SMU has faced all season -- at least since its loss to BYU in Week 2. That being said, Clemson has some obvious shortcomings this year. As outlined above, its defense isn't quite up to its normal elite standard and, though the Tigers have shown an ability to put points on the board this year, their offense is entirely too inconsistent to count on. The Mustangs have been a dominant force for a majority of the year, and I expect them to keep things rolling in this game. It will be a close, hard-fought battle, but SMU triumphs in the end. Pick: SMU -2 (-135)

December 8, 2024, 12:30 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 7:30 pm EST
 
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Clemson defense facing pressure 

"Pressure" is a relative term, given how good Clemson has been on defense under Dabo Swinney. The Tigers are allowing 21.6 points per game this season, which is decent enough on its own, but it's also the most they have allowed in a single season since 2015. Clemson is giving up 357.2 yards per game -- its most since 2012 -- and the Tigers have struggled particularly against the rush with opponents averaging 150.3 yards on the ground per game. That's the most Clemson has allowed in 11 years. Again, these aren't terrible numbers on their own, but they are a far cry from what we're used to with Clemson. 

Now the Tigers have to face an SMU team that ranks fourth nationally in scoring with 39.2 points per game. 

December 8, 2024, 12:00 AM
Dec. 07, 2024, 7:00 pm EST
 
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Inside SMU's breakout season 

This has been one of the most prolific years in SMU's storied history. The Mustangs are one of just two FBS schools, with Oregon, to go undefeated in conference play in their first year with a conference. SMU and the Ducks are also the first programs to achieve that feat since Florida State in 1992. SMU also has an opportunity to become the third FBS program to win back-to-back championships in different conferences, something that hasn't been accomplished since Texas won the Southwest in 1995 and the Big 12 in 1996. SMU also won 11 games in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history and -- if it gets a 12th win -- would match a school record set in 1935. SMU's 18-game win streak against conference opponents is the longest such active streak in the FBS.   

December 7, 2024, 11:30 PM
Dec. 07, 2024, 6:30 pm EST
 
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SMU's a playoff team, no matter what 

SMU has put together a magical season, qualifying for the ACC championship game in its first year with the conference as just one of four FBS teams with an unblemished record in league play. The Mustangs now turn their attention to arguably the biggest game in program history against Clemson, with ACC glory -- and a whole lot more -- on the line.

Yet there's a lingering sense that SMU is headed toward a pitfall. Yes, the Mustangs could win the ACC and automatically secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff field. But what happens if they lose?

Here's why SMU is a worthy playoff team, regardless of what happens Saturday evening: 

SMU's case for College Football Playoff: Why Mustangs deserve spot in bracket despite loss in ACC title game
Will Backus
SMU's case for College Football Playoff: Why Mustangs deserve spot in bracket despite loss in ACC title game
December 7, 2024, 11:00 PM
Dec. 07, 2024, 6:00 pm EST