Clemson football will face off against SMU on October 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET, in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s ACC Championship game. The Tigers, holding a 3-3 record overall and 2-2 in the ACC, are eager to reclaim dominance in their home field, known as “Death Valley,” where they have suffered a disappointing four-game losing streak against Power Four opponents.
Notably, SMU (4-2 overall, 2-0 in the ACC) enters the contest undefeated in ACC regular-season play. The Mustangs have an impressive streak, winning 19 consecutive regular-season conference games dating back to their previous tenure in the American Conference in 2023. These factors make the upcoming matchup crucial for both teams, particularly for Clemson as they aim to break their troubling home record.
Clemson recently demonstrated renewed confidence, with quarterback Cade Klubnik leading the team’s offense after two consecutive road victories in the ACC. However, his status remains uncertain due to an ankle injury, leaving his participation in the game questionable. If Klubnik is unable to play, backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina is set to take over, which would significantly impact Clemson’s offensive strategy.
The matchup against SMU presents challenges. Their quarterback, Kevin Jennings, poses a dual-threat capability that may exploit weaknesses in the Clemson defense. Clemson’s chance for victory hinges on their ability to maintain a robust offensive performance, particularly as they are coming off a season-high rushing game.
Clemson has a solid advantage, having not lost consecutive home games since 2008 and coming off two strong wins with considerable point margins. However, SMU’s ability to generate turnovers and their solid defensive play cannot be overlooked. The Mustangs have proven to be difficult to beat when holding their opponents to a certain level of performance, indicating a fierce competition ahead.
Injury reports indicate that both Klubnik and starting left tackle Tristan Leigh are uncertain for the game, adding an extra layer of unpredictability. As it stands, predictions favor Clemson if Klubnik plays, suggesting a close score of 31-24 in their favor, while a victory for SMU is anticipated should Vizzina start.
With both teams riding momentum from recent victories, this clash promises to be an exciting chapter in the evolving landscape of the ACC. The outcome could significantly shape the trajectory of both programs as they navigate the rest of the season.