College football fans were on the edge of their seats as the No. 18 Clemson Tigers battled the No. 8 SMU Mustangs in a thrilling Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship game. For those wondering where to watch the highlights and relive the excitement, or looking ahead to future matchups, this recap provides a detailed look at the game that had everyone talking.
In a night filled with dramatic twists and turns, the Clemson Tigers emerged victorious against the SMU Mustangs with a final score of 34-31. The game, held in Charlotte, N.C., was a showcase of offensive firepower and nail-biting tension, ultimately decided by a record-breaking 56-yard field goal as time expired from Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser. This victory not only secured Clemson’s ACC title but also propelled them into the coveted College Football Playoff conversation.
The game began with Clemson displaying early dominance. Quarterback Cade Klubnik delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns. His connection with Bryant Wesco was particularly potent in the first quarter. Wesco hauled in eight catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the opening quarter alone, setting the tone for the Tigers’ offensive onslaught. Clemson’s defense also made an early statement when T.J. Parker forced a sack-fumble on SMU’s first series. Klubnik capitalized on this momentum, throwing three touchdown passes in the first quarter, giving Clemson a commanding 21-7 lead. Fans watching at home or at sports bars were witnessing a potential blowout in the making.
However, SMU, in their debut ACC season after transitioning from the American Athletic Conference, demonstrated resilience. Despite facing a 24-7 deficit at halftime – their largest of the season – the Mustangs mounted an impressive comeback. Quarterback Kevin Jennings led the charge for SMU, throwing for 310 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a rushing touchdown. Jennings orchestrated a remarkable rally in the fourth quarter, bringing the Mustangs back from a 31-14 deficit. With just minutes left, Matthew Hibner caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Jennings, and Collin Rogers added a 46-yard field goal, narrowing the gap.
As the clock ticked down, Jennings led a 79-yard, 16-play drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown pass to Roderick Daniels Jr. with only 16 seconds remaining. The game was tied 31-31, and overtime seemed inevitable. The tension was palpable for anyone watching the game, whether live in the stadium or following along on TV or streams.
But Clemson had other plans. Adam Randall’s crucial 41-yard kickoff return gave the Tigers excellent field position at their own 45-yard line. With mere seconds left, Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams for a 17-yard gain, positioning the ball at the SMU 38-yard line with just three seconds on the clock. This set the stage for Nolan Hauser’s historic moment. Hauser stepped up and drilled a 56-yard field goal as time expired, securing a dramatic 34-31 victory for Clemson. This kick not only won the game but also etched Hauser’s name in ACC Championship history with the longest field goal ever recorded in the game.
While Clemson celebrated their ACC Championship and College Football Playoff aspirations, SMU faced the bitter disappointment of a hard-fought loss. Despite outgaining Clemson in total yards (458 to 326) and first downs (28 to 18), and showcasing a valiant comeback, the Mustangs ultimately fell short. This defeat snapped SMU’s 18-game win streak against conference opponents and their 9-game overall win streak. However, their impressive season, including an undefeated 8-0 record in ACC play, highlights a bright future for the program.
For fans looking to relive the highlights of this exciting matchup or wondering where to watch Clemson Tigers and SMU Mustangs football in the future, keep an eye on ESPN and the ACC Network, the primary broadcasters for ACC football games. YouTube also hosts official highlight packages for those wanting to catch the key moments. As both teams look ahead to their next seasons, the Clemson vs SMU game served as a memorable chapter in college football, filled with spectacular plays and unforgettable drama. Fans will eagerly anticipate where to watch these teams compete again in the seasons to come.
