Dabo Swinney, Clemson Win ACC Title vs. SMU as CFB Fans Hype 2024 CFP Bracket Chaos
Clemson is headed to the College Football Playoff.
Faced with a win-and-in situation in the ACC Championship, Clemson did just that by earning a 34-31 victory over SMU via a 56-yard game-winning field goal from Nolan Hauser.
The Tigers jumped out to a 24-3 halftime lead and would enter the final quarter up 31-10. However, the Mustangs put together an excellent fourth quarter to nearly pull of the victory.
Clemson produced 326 offensive yards and forced two SMU turnovers. The rushing attack had just 62 yards but quarterback Cade Klubnik took charge in leading the offense.
Klubnik went 24-of-41 for 262 yards with four touchdowns on the day. His connection with wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. was especially potent as the true freshman had eight catches for 142 yards and two touchdown.
Klubnik tossed three of his touchdowns in the first quarter, becoming the first player to throw three touchdown passes in a single quarter in the history of the ACC Championship Game.
However, the hero of the day was Hauser, who hit the longest field goal of his career and the longest in ACC Championship history at the most crucial time.
Fans took to social media to praise his clutch kick.
The Clemson victory also complicates the playoff field selection for Sunday. Clemson would not have qualified with a loss but their inclusion will mean that a team that was in line to make the playoff will be left out.
That could be SMU, who fall to 11-2 and were ranked No. 8 heading into the game. It also could be Alabama, who entered the weekend as the last team expected to qualify and did not play in a Conference Championship Game.
Fans took to social media to revel in the chaos and debate who should be included.
It will be an interesting debate among the playoff committee and the 2023 exclusion of ACC Champion Florida State has many wondering if a similar decision will be made.
The field will be finalized on Sunday and will be released at noon E.T.
