Nolan Hauser’s Last-Second Field Goal Lifts Clemson Over SMU in ACC Championship Thriller
In a dramatic finish, Nolan Hauser drilled a 56-yard field goal as time expired to propel No. 17 Clemson to a 34-31 victory over No. 8 SMU in the ACC Championship Game. The win not only secured Clemson’s spot in the College Football Playoff as a conference champion but also threw the playoff picture into chaos.
Late-Game Heroics Seal Clemson’s Victory
SMU appeared to force overtime when quarterback Kevin Jennings connected with Roderick Daniels Jr. for a 4-yard touchdown with just 16 seconds remaining. Daniels’ remarkable foot-dragging catch was upheld upon review, tying the game at 31-31.
On the ensuing kickoff, Clemson’s Austin Randall delivered a crucial 41-yard return, setting the Tigers up for a final shot. Quarterback Cade Klubnik capitalized, hitting Antonio Williams on a 17-yard pass to get the Tigers into field goal range. Hauser then delivered the game-winning kick, sending the Clemson faithful into celebration.
Offensive Fireworks for Clemson
Klubnik put on a clinic, completing 24 of 41 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns. His primary target, Bryant Wesco Jr., was unstoppable with eight receptions for 143 yards and two scores. Tight end Jake Briningstool also contributed two touchdown catches, showcasing Clemson’s diverse offensive arsenal.
SMU’s Playoff Chances Hang in the Balance
The loss raises pressing questions about SMU’s playoff viability. At 11-2, the Mustangs were expected to secure a playoff spot with an ACC title. Now, their fate lies in the hands of the selection committee.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney strongly advocated for SMU’s inclusion in the playoffs during his postgame interview:
“That’s a playoff football team. SMU, they better be in the dang playoffs.”
SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee echoed the sentiment:
“We just played a playoff game out there, and we played pretty dang good. Our team deserves a chance to be in.”
Clemson’s Early Dominance
Clemson capitalized on early SMU mistakes to build a 14-0 lead. A fumble by Jennings set up a 35-yard touchdown pass from Klubnik to Wesco, followed by another Klubnik touchdown strike to Briningstool after an SMU penalty.
Although SMU responded with a 24-yard touchdown run by Jennings, Clemson extended its lead to 24-7 at halftime thanks to a 43-yard touchdown pass from Klubnik to Wesco.
SMU’s Second-Half Comeback
SMU mounted an impressive second-half rally, beginning with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jennings to Brashard Smith. Clemson answered with a methodical scoring drive capped by Briningstool’s second touchdown, but SMU refused to quit.
The Mustangs scored twice more—on a 20-yard touchdown catch by Matthew Hibner and a 46-yard field goal by Collin Rogers—before tying the game in the final seconds with Daniels’ clutch touchdown catch.
Jennings finished the game with 304 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 31-of-50 passing. Smith led SMU’s rushing attack with 113 yards on 24 carries, while Daniels and Hibner combined for 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
What’s Next?
Clemson’s win shakes up the playoff landscape. At 10-3, the Tigers are unlikely to earn a first-round bye but secure a postseason berth as ACC champions. SMU, on the other hand, faces uncertainty despite an impressive season.
As the playoff selection looms, one thing is clear: both Clemson and SMU showcased their playoff-caliber talent in a game that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling ACC Championship battles in recent history.
