No. 17 Clemson secured a thrilling 34-31 victory over No. 8 SMU in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game, thanks to Nolan Hauser’s record-breaking 56-yard field goal as time expired Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik had a standout performance, throwing four touchdown passes. The game seemed headed for overtime after SMU’s Kevin Jennings tied the score at 31 with just 16 seconds left. However, Adam Randall’s 41-yard kickoff return and Klubnik’s 17-yard pass set the stage for Hauser’s game-winning kick.
Hauser’s game-winning kick spoiled an incredible comeback by SMU, who trailed 31-14 with just 23 seconds left in the third quarter. The Mustangs fought back with Jennings’ 20-yard TD pass to Matthew Hibner and a 46-yard field goal from Collin Rogers, eventually tying the game at 31-all.
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik threw four touchdown passes, while Bryant Wesco Jr. and Jake Briningstool each caught two touchdowns. Wesco had an impressive game with eight receptions for 143 yards. Klubnik finished with 262 yards on 24-for-41 passing.
On the other side, SMU’s Kevin Jennings threw for three touchdowns, an interception, and 304 yards on 31-for-50 passing. Brashard Smith rushed for 113 yards on 24 carries, and Roderick Daniels Jr. finished with eight catches for 97 yards and a score
