Clemson Tigers Aim for Redemption Against SMU Mustangs
CHARLOTTE — The No. 17 Clemson football team is looking to end its three-year College Football Playoff (CFP) drought with a decisive win against the No. 7 SMU Mustangs this Saturday at Bank of America Stadium. The championship matchup is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET and will air on ABC.
The stakes are high; the victor secures a spot in the College Football Playoff and a potential first-round bye. The Tigers, despite a recent loss to South Carolina, qualified for the ACC Championship after Syracuse’s unexpected victory over Miami.
Game Preview
SMU enters the championship game with a remarkable record (11-1) and is among two Power 4 teams, alongside Oregon, to finish conference play undefeated. The Mustangs, fresh off a nine-game winning streak, present a formidable challenge. Their third-year quarterback, Kevin Jennings, has accumulated over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns this season.
This match is especially significant as it marks the first meeting between Clemson and SMU since SMU joined the ACC this season. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, making this a must-watch event.
Scores and Updates
Clemson 31, SMU 21 – 4th Quarter Updates
As the fourth quarter progresses, SMU is attempting to close the gap after a series of impressive plays, but will require both defensive stops and scoring to secure a late comeback.
Halftime Reflections
Entering halftime with a score of Clemson 24, SMU 7, this game is primarily characterized by a defensive showcase from Clemson, who has effectively contained the Mustangs’ potent offense. SMU’s turnovers and missed opportunities have hindered their progress, allowing Clemson to maintain a commanding lead.
Final Thoughts
With 30 minutes left in the game, SMU faces an uphill battle. Historically, Clemson is incredibly successful when leading by a significant margin, holding a 133-1 record in such circumstances. If they continue to match SMU’s efforts on the scoreboard, they are poised to leave Charlotte as the ACC Champions.
