Clemson secured a dramatic victory in the ACC Championship, earning a College Football Playoff berth for the first time since 2020. The Tigers defeated SMU 34-31 in a game marked by a record-setting 56-yard field goal from freshman kicker Nolan Hauser as time expired, sending shockwaves through Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Clemson appeared dominant early on, taking a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime. Quarterback Cade Klubnik dazzled in the opening quarter, becoming the first player in ACC Championship history to throw three touchdowns in the first quarter. He finished the game with four touchdown passes, totaling 262 yards and earning ACC Championship Game MVP honors for the second time in his career. Klubnik’s poise under pressure kept Clemson in control for much of the contest.
The Tigers’ early momentum was fueled by a strong defensive showing. Defensive end T.J. Parker set the tone with a forced fumble on SMU’s first drive, giving Clemson excellent field position to capitalize on the Mustangs’ mistakes. SMU, however, refused to back down, slowly chipping away at the deficit in the second half.
In the fourth quarter, SMU launched a furious comeback, erasing a 17-point deficit to tie the game at 31 with just 16 seconds left. Quarterback Kevin Jennings orchestrated a 16-play, 79-yard drive, capped by a four-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. The Mustangs’ resilience gave them a fighting chance in a game that seemed out of reach early on.
Clemson, however, had one more trick up its sleeve. Following SMU’s tying score, Adam Randall’s electric kickoff return placed the Tigers at their 45-yard line with nine seconds remaining. Klubnik connected with wide receiver Antonio Williams for a 17-yard gain, setting the stage for Hauser’s heroic kick. Hauser’s 56-yard field goal not only set a new ACC Championship Game record but also marked the first walk-off field goal in the championship’s 20-year history.
“It’s a dream come true,” Hauser said after the game. “To hit a kick like that, in my hometown, is something I’ll never forget.”
SMU, despite the loss, showcased its strength as a formidable program. The Mustangs finished the regular season undefeated in conference play and pushed Clemson to the brink in their first ACC Championship appearance. However, questions linger about whether SMU’s résumé will be enough to secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff field. With no wins against currently ranked teams, the Mustangs face an uncertain wait for the selection committee’s final decisions.
Clemson’s victory highlights the resilience and determination of a team that endured ups and downs throughout the season. Entering the playoff field as a three-loss team, the Tigers become an example of how the expanded playoff format provides opportunities for teams with a challenging path.
Looking ahead, Clemson will face a tough matchup against the Texas Longhorns on December 21 in Austin, Texas. As the postseason begins, the Tigers hope to carry the momentum of their thrilling ACC Championship win into the national spotlight.
Image is in the public domain and was created by Banderas.
