Cade Klubnik threw for 262 yards and 4 touchdowns, Nolan Hauser kicked a 56-yard subject purpose as time expired and No. 17 Clemson knocked off No. 8 SMU 34-31 Saturday evening within the Atlantic Coast Conference championship to earn a berth within the College Football Playoff and place themselves for a first-round bye.
Hauser’s subject purpose was the longest within the historical past of ACC championship video games.
Bryant Wesco made eight receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns within the first quarter for the Tigers (10-3, No. 17 CFP), who wanted a win to get into the expanded 12-team playoffs. Jake Briningstool added two quick landing receptions as Clemson improved to 9-1 in ACC championship video games beneath coach Dabo Swinney.
Kevin Jennings threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns and scored one for SMU (11-1, No. 8 CFP), which went 8-0 within the common season in its first 12 months within the ACC after being handed from the American Athletic Conference.
The error-filled loss price the Mustangs an opportunity at a first-round bye within the CFP and probably may preserve them off the sector altogether.
Clemson edge rusher TJ Parker set the tone on the sport’s first sequence with a sack-fumble, and Klubnik threw three landing passes within the first quarter because the Tigers, 2.5-point underdogs, took the lead for 21-7. Klubnik completed the primary quarter 8-of-10 for 120 yards with three touchdowns, together with scoring throws of 45 and 35 yards for Wesco.
Everything appeared to be stepping into Clemson’s favor within the first half.
As Klubnik was making an attempt to flee strain on a play within the second quarter, he was hit from behind and fumbled the ball ahead about 10 yards the place tight finish Briningstool rigorously dived between two defenders to recuperate the ball in near midfield and provides the Tigers a primary down. .
Clemson tacked on a subject purpose late within the second quarter and SMU went into the lockers down 24-7, its largest deficit this season.
SMU lower the result in 31-24 with seven minutes left after Matthew Hibner had a 20-yard landing reception from Jennings and Collin Rogers linked on a 46-yard subject purpose.
The Mustangs’ protection compelled a 3rd straight punt on secured possession, giving Jennings and the offense the ball again at their very own 21 with 4 minutes to play. Jennings drove the Mustangs 79 yards in 16 performs, discovering Roderick Daniels with a 4-yard landing move with 16 seconds left to tie the sport.
The recreation appeared headed for time beyond regulation, however Adam Randall’s 41-yard kickoff return gave Clemson the ball at their very own 45. Klubnik discovered Antonio Williams for a 17-yard acquire on the SMU 38 with three ticks left, establishing the Hauser’s profitable kick.
The takeaway
Clemson: The Tigers received the sport within the trenches, dominating the road of scrimmage and holding the strain on Jennings all through the sport. Rarely was there a passing play when SMU’s quarterback wasn’t popping out of the pocket and making an attempt to keep away from getting sacked.
SMU: Maybe it was the nervousness of being on the massive stage of the ACC title recreation, however the Mustangs struggled with errors within the first quarter, together with a number of dropped passes, penalties and two turnovers. SMU’s defenders struggled to maintain up with the velocity of Clemson’s receivers.
Next
Clemson will see if it will get a first-round bye, whereas SMU awaits its playoff destiny.
Associated Press reporting.
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