In a thrilling ACC Championship showdown, Clemson rallied from behind to defeat SMU 34-31 with a dramatic 56-yard field goal as time expired. This victory secured the Tigers an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff, but it also ignited a heated debate about the playoff's remaining spots.
(L-R) SMU Mustangs Head Coach Rhett Lashlee and Clemson Tigers Head Coach Dabo Swinney converse before the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 7, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Ranked 17th nationally entering the game, Clemson's triumph throws a wrench into the playoff picture, potentially pushing the 8th-ranked SMU out of contention despite their impressive comeback from a 17-point deficit in the final quarter. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney strongly advocated for SMU's inclusion in the playoff, stating unequivocally to ESPN, "That's a playoff team. SMU, they better be in that dang playoff… There's no way they shouldn't be in these playoffs." Swinney's heartfelt embrace with SMU coach Rhett Lashlee after the game suggests he shared these sentiments directly.
Clemson Tigers Head Coach Dabo Swinney addresses his team during the first half of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 7, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Images)
SMU managed to tie the game with just 16 seconds remaining after a determined 16-play drive. However, Adam Randall's 41-yard kickoff return set up Clemson for a final push. A 17-yard pass from Cade Klubnik to Antonio Williams followed by a strategic timeout paved the way for Nolan Hauser's game-winning 56-yard field goal.
Clemson Tigers kicker Nolan Hauser (#81) celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal in the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 7, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Clemson and Arizona State, who convincingly defeated Iowa State in the Big 12 championship, are now vying for the final bye into the quarterfinals. The expansion to a 12-team playoff format was intended to mitigate controversies like last year's exclusion of Florida State, yet the selection process remains challenging. The final playoff field will be revealed on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.
