The ACC Championship game between the Clemson Tigers and the SMU Mustangs was a thrilling clash filled with big plays, strategic moves, and dramatic moments. Both teams came into the game with much at stake: Clemson seeking to reassert its dominance in the ACC and SMU looking to cement their rise as a football powerhouse. Here’s a breakdown of the game’s key highlights, pivotal plays, and final outcome.
First Quarter: A Defensive Battle
The game kicked off with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. Clemson’s defensive line, led by star tackle Tyler Davis, kept SMU’s explosive offense in check. SMU’s quarterback, Preston Stone, struggled early to find his rhythm, facing relentless pressure from Clemson’s pass rush.
Meanwhile, Clemson’s offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, attempted to establish a ground game. Will Shipley managed a few solid runs, but SMU’s defense, anchored by linebacker Ahmad Walker, held firm.
Key Play: SMU forced an early turnover when Walker stripped the ball from Shipley on a run, giving SMU great field position. However, Clemson’s defense held them to a field goal, making it 3-0 in favor of SMU.
Second Quarter: SMU Finds Momentum
SMU’s offense began to heat up in the second quarter, with Preston Stone connecting on key passes to wide receiver Jordan Kerley. Their chemistry was evident as Kerley hauled in a 45-yard touchdown, extending SMU’s lead to 10-0.
Clemson responded with a methodical drive, utilizing short passes and runs to march down the field. Klubnik capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake Briningstool, cutting the lead to 10-7.
Key Play: SMU’s kicker, Collin Rogers, nailed a 52-yard field goal as time expired in the half, giving the Mustangs a 13-7 lead heading into the locker room.
Third Quarter: Clemson Strikes Back
Clemson came out firing in the second half, making adjustments to their offensive scheme. Klubnik began targeting Antonio Williams and Beaux Collins on quick slants and out routes, exploiting gaps in SMU’s secondary.
A pivotal moment came when Clemson’s defense intercepted Preston Stone on a deep pass attempt, giving the Tigers a short field. Klubnik capitalized on the turnover with a 5-yard touchdown run, giving Clemson their first lead of the game, 14-13.
Key Play: SMU answered with a 70-yard kickoff return that set up a quick touchdown run by Jaylan Knighton, reclaiming the lead at 20-14.
Fourth Quarter: A Nail-Biting Finish
The final quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading scores. Clemson’s kicker, Jonathan Weitz, hit a 42-yard field goal to cut SMU’s lead to 20-17. Moments later, SMU’s Stone orchestrated a masterful drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to Kerley, extending their lead to 27-17.
Clemson refused to back down, with Klubnik leading a desperate drive late in the game. A 25-yard touchdown pass to Briningstool brought the Tigers within three points at 27-24.
Final Moments: Clemson had one last chance to tie or win the game. With under a minute remaining, Klubnik led the Tigers into field goal range. However, Weitz’s 48-yard attempt to send the game into overtime sailed wide left, sealing SMU’s victory.
Final Score: SMU 27, Clemson 24
Key Performers
SMU Mustangs
Preston Stone (QB): 285 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception.
Jordan Kerley (WR): 8 receptions, 125 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Jaylan Knighton (RB): 75 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
Clemson Tigers
Cade Klubnik (QB): 265 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown.
Will Shipley (RB): 85 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards.
Jake Briningstool (TE): 6 receptions, 80 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Game Analysis
Clemson’s Missed Opportunities
- : The Tigers’ failure to convert on third downs and their missed field goal in the final seconds proved costly.
SMU’s Explosive Offense
- : Big plays from Stone and Kerley showcased SMU’s ability to score quickly, putting constant pressure on Clemson.
Defensive Battles
- : Both teams had standout defensive moments, but SMU’s ability to force turnovers gave them the edge.
Implications for SMU
With this victory, SMU not only claimed the ACC Championship but also bolstered their case for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Their ability to beat a storied program like Clemson solidifies their legitimacy as a rising powerhouse.
This game will be remembered as a testament to SMU’s resurgence and Clemson’s resilience. Both teams left it all on the field, delivering a thrilling contest for fans and setting the stage for an exciting bowl season.
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Pittsburgh Panthers vs. SMU Mustangs | Full Game Highlights
The showdown between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the SMU Mustangs lived up to expectations, delivering high-octane action and electrifying plays. Both teams entered the game with much to prove, but it was a tale of two halves as momentum shifted dramatically. Here’s a detailed recap of the game, including standout moments and key performances.
First Quarter: A Defensive Showcase
The game started with both teams emphasizing defense. Pittsburgh’s defensive front, led by star lineman Dayon Hayes, applied relentless pressure on SMU quarterback Preston Stone. The Mustangs’ first two drives ended in punts, unable to find any rhythm against the Panthers’ defense.
On the flip side, Pittsburgh’s offense, spearheaded by quarterback Christian Veilleux, struggled to establish the passing game. SMU’s secondary, led by cornerback Jahari Rogers, broke up several deep attempts.
Key Play: SMU’s kicker, Collin Rogers, put the first points on the board with a 45-yard field goal late in the quarter, giving the Mustangs a 3-0 lead.
Second Quarter: Pittsburgh Strikes First
Pittsburgh’s offense began to settle in during the second quarter. Running back Rodney Hammond Jr. found lanes behind solid blocking, breaking off a 35-yard run to set up the Panthers in the red zone. Veilleux capitalized with a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Bub Means, giving Pittsburgh a 7-3 lead.
SMU responded with a methodical drive, leaning on their ground game to move the chains. Running back Jaylan Knighton punched in a 2-yard touchdown, putting the Mustangs back on top at 10-7.
Key Play: Pittsburgh tied the game at 10 with a 38-yard field goal from Ben Sauls as the half expired, showcasing their ability to finish strong.
Third Quarter: SMU’s Offensive Explosion
Coming out of the locker room, SMU made adjustments that paid off immediately. Preston Stone found his rhythm, connecting on quick, precise throws to wide receiver Jordan Kerley, who turned a short pass into a 50-yard touchdown.
Pittsburgh tried to respond but was stifled by SMU’s aggressive defense. Linebacker Ahmad Walker delivered a crucial sack on third down, forcing Pittsburgh to punt. SMU capitalized on the ensuing drive, with Knighton breaking free for a 25-yard touchdown run, extending the Mustangs’ lead to 24-10.
Key Play: A Pittsburgh fumble deep in their territory was recovered by SMU, setting up a quick field goal to make it 27-10.
Fourth Quarter: A Fierce Comeback Attempt
Pittsburgh wasn’t ready to back down. Veilleux orchestrated a 75-yard scoring drive, finding Means again for a 20-yard touchdown. The Panthers’ defense stepped up, forcing an SMU three-and-out, giving Pittsburgh another chance to close the gap.
Hammond broke loose for a 40-yard run, setting up a short touchdown pass to tight end Gavin Bartholomew, cutting SMU’s lead to 27-24.
Final Moments: With under two minutes left, SMU’s offense took the field needing to drain the clock. Stone delivered a clutch third-down pass to Kerley, effectively sealing the game. SMU added a late field goal to secure the win.
Final Score: SMU 30, Pittsburgh 24
Key Performers
SMU Mustangs
Preston Stone (QB): 280 passing yards, 1 touchdown.
Jaylan Knighton (RB): 95 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns.
Jordan Kerley (WR): 6 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Christian Veilleux (QB): 245 passing yards, 2 touchdowns.
Rodney Hammond Jr. (RB): 120 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
Bub Means (WR): 7 receptions, 85 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Game Analysis
SMU’s Offensive Adjustments
- : The Mustangs came alive in the third quarter, mixing up their play calls to exploit Pittsburgh’s defensive weaknesses.
Pittsburgh’s Resilience
- : Despite the loss, the Panthers showcased grit, nearly completing a comeback. Their ground game was a bright spot throughout the contest.
Turnovers and Momentum
- : A key fumble by Pittsburgh in the third quarter shifted momentum decisively in SMU’s favor.
Implications for Both Teams
SMU Mustangs: The win strengthens SMU’s case for a high-ranking bowl game and cements their reputation as a rising force in college football.
Pittsburgh Panthers: Despite the loss, Pittsburgh showed potential for the future with their young core of players.
This game was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of college football, with both teams leaving it all on the field. For SMU, it’s another step in their impressive season, while Pittsburgh walks away with valuable lessons for the road ahead.
