Cade Klubnik demonstrated exceptional performance on Saturday night, throwing for 262 yards and securing four touchdowns as No. 18 Clemson triumphed over No. 6 SMU, finishing the Atlantic Coast Conference championship with a score of 34-31. The victory ensured that Clemson would advance to the College Football Playoff, earning them a chance for a first-round bye.
Nolan Hauser made history by kicking a stunning 56-yard field goal just as the game ended, marking the longest field goal in the history of the ACC championship game.
Clemson’s success was bolstered by Bryant Wesco, who recorded eight receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter. The Tigers, now with a record of 10-3, required this win to secure a place in the newly expanded 12-team playoff system. Additionally, Jake Briningstool added two short touchdown receptions, and under the leadership of coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson improved its all-time ACC championship game record to 9-1.
For SMU, Kevin Jennings had a noteworthy performance as well, throwing for 310 yards with three touchdown passes while also contributing a rushing touchdown. The Mustangs ended their season with an 11-1 record, ranking No. 8 in the CFP standings, having previously achieved an undefeated 8-0 record during the regular season in their inaugural ACC campaign after transitioning from the American Athletic Conference.
However, the loss was painful for the Mustangs, filled with mistakes that cost them a coveted opportunity for a first-round bye in the college playoff and potentially jeopardized their chances of making it to the playoffs altogether.
The game’s momentum shifted early on when Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker initiated a critical play with a sack-fumble during the opening series. This set the stage for Klubnik, who threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter, allowing the Tigers to surge ahead with a significant 21-7 lead. His statistics for the first quarter were impressive, completing 8 of 10 passes for 120 yards, including touchdown throws of 45 and 35 yards to Wesco.
