Clemson football capped off an unforgettable ACC Championship win with a record-setting 56-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser, clinching a 34-31 victory over No. 8 SMU.
The dramatic walk-off field goal, the first of its kind in ACC Championship history, came after SMU had tied the game with just 16 seconds remaining. Adam Randall’s 45-yard kickoff return gave Clemson excellent field position, and Cade Klubnik’s 17-yard pass to Antonio Williams set up
Hauser’s game-winning kick. Klubnik was stellar throughout, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns, while Bryant Wesco had his breakout performance with 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
The game started with a bang for Clemson as T.J. Parker’s strip-sack on SMU’s opening drive handed the Tigers an early advantage. The Tigers capitalized quickly, with Klubnik connecting with Wesco for a 35-yard touchdown. The offense continued to roll, extending the lead to 14-0 before SMU could answer with a touchdown. Clemson responded again, with Klubnik hitting Wesco for another touchdown, giving the Tigers a 21-7 lead.
Despite SMU’s offensive surge in the second half, including a strong performance from quarterback Kevin Jennings, Clemson held firm. The Tigers never wavered, despite SMU cutting the lead to just seven points in the final quarter. A key field goal and a late touchdown kept the Mustangs in striking distance, but Clemson’s defense and special teams kept the pressure on.
Injuries to key players like Phil Mafah and Jay Haynes didn’t derail the Tigers, and Clemson ultimately emerged victorious. With the win, Clemson secured its place in the College Football Playoff, marking a thrilling conclusion to an action-packed game.
What a wild ride this season has been for Clemson.