Cade Klubnik, devastated after Clemson’s loss to South Carolina last week, saw his fortunes turn dramatically when Syracuse’s upset over Miami reopened Clemson’s path to the ACC title.
On Saturday, Klubnik delivered, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns as No. 18 Clemson edged No. 8 SMU 34-31 in the ACC Championship game. Nolan Hauser sealed the win with a record-breaking 56-yard field goal as time expired, securing Clemson’s spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
“Getting this chance felt like a gift,” Klubnik said. “We made it count.”
The Tigers, with standout performances by Bryant Wesco (143 yards, 2 TDs) and Jake Briningstool (2 TD receptions), dominated early, leading 24-7 at halftime. Defensive pressure from T.J. Parker, including a sack-fumble, set the tone.
SMU, led by Kevin Jennings’ 310 passing yards and 3 TDs, rallied from a 17-point deficit, tying the game with just 16 seconds left. However, Clemson’s Adam Randall’s 41-yard kickoff return set up Hauser’s heroic kick.
“We didn’t cover the kick well, and Clemson capitalized,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee admitted.
Clemson’s win marked their ninth ACC title under coach Dabo Swinney, who praised SMU as a playoff-worthy team.
Takeaways:
- Clemson: Dominance in the trenches and an explosive start proved decisive.
- SMU: Costly mistakes and early jitters in a high-stakes game hurt their chances.
Clemson now heads to the CFP with renewed momentum.
