Clemson’s path to the ACC Championship game has been anything but easy, and now the Tigers are one win away from winning the conference title, which might secure them a spot in the College Football Playoff. Following last Saturday’s tough 17-14 loss to South Carolina, some exciting events in the ACC kept Clemson alive.
The reason Clemson had this opportunity was due to Syracuse’s upset, as the Orange staged an incredible comeback, overtaking No. 6 Miami 42-38. Syracuse trailed by 21 points at one point but rallied to defeat Miami. That in turn helped Dabo make his 8th ACC Championships since 2011, 9th overall.
After the win, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown playfully acknowledged his team’s role in helping Clemson reach the ACC Championship, stating, “Hey Dabo Swinney! Congrats, I got you in, baby!”
The loss to South Carolina was a tough one, however, it presented Clemson with a new opportunity: a chance to play in for both the ACC title as well as make a run for the playoffs Despite the disappointment, the Tigers’ hopes for a championship are still alive. With a win in the ACC Championship against SMU, the Tigers would have a clear path into the playoffs.
Clemson’s path has been very tough to this point. In Clemson’s last ACC game, against Pitt, quarterback Cade Klubnik proved quite important in the win with a key touchdown run that kept Clemson’s playoff hopes alive. Now, Clemson turns all of its focus toward SMU—a team that has gone an astonishing 11-1 during the season. On top of being a difficult opponent, the Mustangs show up as strong ACC title contenders after winning the regular season conference, making them a challenge for the Tigers going into Saturday’s game.
Head coach Dabo Swinney attested to the fact that the Mustangs have been playing steady and doing well this year. “The ACC’s had a great year. For SMU, they should be in no matter what. They’ve earned that. I think they shouldn’t be punished no matter what they do in this game.”
“They’re an 11-1 football team, and they’ve done a great job,” Swinney said.
Swinney knows the only way into the playoffs is by beating SMU, keeping his message simple: “For us, we have to win. It is what it is.”
SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said consistency is the key to his team’s success. “Consistency and performance are hard. All players want is consistency, whether you win or lose,” Lashlee said. He added that getting to Charlotte has been SMU’s goal all season, and now they have the chance to win a conference title.
Looking ahead to the game, Lashlee admitted that Clemson was a tough opponent. He said the Tigers are the team that has “set that standard.” He added that he anticipated many Clemson fans would make the trip to Charlotte, but also expects many SMU fans to show out as well. Regardless of the location, Lashlee believed his team would be able to play well and fight versus Clemson.
Saturday’s game is huge for both teams. It’s an opportunity for Clemson to prove they’re the best in the ACC and reclaim the number one spot in the ACC. For SMU, it’s a chance to prove that they can play at the highest level in college football.
With everything on the line, both teams will be giving their all in what promises to be a very thrilling battle for the 2024 ACC Championship.
