Clemson’s dramatic victory in the ACC Championship game came down to a 56-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser as time expired, leading No. 17 Clemson to a thrilling 34-31 win against No. 8 SMU. This victory not only secured Clemson’s status as conference champion but also significantly impacted the College Football Playoff standings.
The game was intensely competitive, highlighted by a late-game rally from SMU, which tied the contest at 31-31 with just 16 seconds left on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Jennings to Roderick Daniels Jr. After that, a solid kickoff return by Austin Randall set Clemson up for a last-minute opportunity, allowing quarterback Cade Klubnik to connect with Antonio Williams for a 17-yard completion, positioning the team for the decisive field goal.
Klubnik performed admirably, throwing for four touchdowns and a total of 262 yards, completing 24 of 41 passes. His primary targets, Bryant Wesco Jr. and Jake Briningstool, proved to be key players, with Wesco catching eight passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns, while Briningstool also caught two TD passes.
The outcome of the game raises questions regarding playoff implications for both teams. Clemson’s victory appears to grant them an automatic playoff berth, but there’s uncertainty regarding whether they will receive a first-round bye, especially given their ranking below several other conference champions. Meanwhile, SMU, despite their 11-2 record and impressive showing, may face challenges regarding their potential playoff position.
Clemson’s head coach Dabo Swinney emphasized SMU’s performance in his postgame remarks, asserting that they are “a playoff football team” and urged the committee to consider their candidacy. This sentiment reflects the broader discussion about how teams like SMU, competing fiercely in championship games, could and should be evaluated for playoff inclusion.
Clemson jumped out to an early 14-0 lead thanks to a few costly mistakes from SMU. However, SMU fought back valiantly throughout the match, showcasing their proficiency and resilience, ultimately transforming what started as a challenging game into a nail-biting showdown.
Overall, this dramatic game exemplifies the competitive spirit of college football and serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports. For SMU, this challenge could serve as a stepping stone as they make their case for playoff inclusion, reinforcing the importance of their accomplishments throughout the season.
In summary, Clemson’s thrilling victory not only solidifies their place in the playoffs but also highlights the ongoing conversation about playoff fairness and recognition for teams like SMU, which have demonstrated their strength and capability to compete at high levels.