The Clemson Tiger football squad is .500 for the second time this season, after falling into a 1-3 start to the year. They currently sit at 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Not where we wanted to be, but it is what it is, so we look ahead.
It was a great night in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts for the Tigers as they finally played “complimentary football” as Coach Swinney likes to talk about every week, beating Boston College 41-10.
This week is a seemingly step up in competition as the Tigers welcome in the SMU Mustangs, their opponents from last year’s ACC Championship game in which the Tigers squeeked by.
Here is a look at everything you will need to know about the Tiger’s Week 8 Opponent, the Southern Methodist University Mustangs:
Southern Methodist University Mustangs
School Location: Dallas, Texas
Game Location: Clemson’s Memorial Stadium
Time: 3:30; ACC Network
2025 Record – 4-2; (2-0 ACC)
Wins Against: East Texas A&M (42-13); Missouri State (28-10); Syracuse (31-18); Stanford (34-10)
Losses against: Baylor (48-45 2 OTs); TCU (35-24)
Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee – 4th Season – Previous: Miami OC
In four years at SMU, Rhett Lashlee has turned the Mustangs into one of college football’s most explosive teams. His offense is fast, fearless, and built on tempo; the kind that keeps defenses gasping for air. Lashlee’s teams play with swagger but stay sharp, reflecting his mix of creativity and discipline. He has the athletes to play his style. And he’s created a culture that blends Texas toughness with a modern offensive flair, and that formula’s made SMU a legitimate power player in the ACC.
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Casey Woods – 4th year as OC – Previous: Mizzou TE’s Coach
In four years guiding SMU’s offense, Casey Woods has orchestrated a high-octane, precision-based attack that hums. His play-calling blends Lashlee’s tempo roots with sharp route concepts and creative use of space. Quarterback Kevin Jennings has thrived under Woods; poised, efficient, and dangerous when in rhythm. The Mustangs’ offense feels confident, seemingly always a step ahead. Woods’ fingerprints are all over SMU’s rise as one of the most dynamic scoring machines in college football, and they are FAST!
SMU has averaged 34 points their first six games of the season (T-42nd; Clemson is T-80th; 26.3 ppg) with 127 yards rushing per game (99th; Clemson is 97th) and 277.8 yards through the air (T-26th; Clemson: 25th) for a total of 404.8 yards of offense per game through six games (60th; Clemson: 54th)
Here is a look at the projected starters for the SMU Mustangs from their released depth chart as well as their 2025 statistics through six games:
| Quarterback | Kevin Jennings | RS Junior | #7 | 37 rushes, 5 net yards, TD | 137-191; 71.7% 1658 yds, 15 TDs, 6 Ints |
| Running Back | TJ Harden (UCLA) | Senior | #27 | 85 rushes, 415 yds, 5 TDs | 5 catches, 24 yds |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Hudson (TCU) | Senior | #2 | 1 rush, 6 yds | 15 catches, 203 yds, 2 TDs |
| Wide Receiver | Romello Brinson | RS Senior | #3 | 1 rush, 4 yds | 32 catches, 484 yds, 3 TDs |
| Wide Receiver/Tight End | RJ Maryland | Senior | #88 | 13 catches, 134 yds, 2 TDs | |
| Tight End | Matthew Hibner | Graduate | #88 | 13 catches, 104 yds, TD | |
| Left Tackle | Savion Byrd | RS Senior | #54 | ||
| Left Guard | Logan Parr | Graduate | #71 | ||
| Center | Joshua Bates | RS Senior | #64 | ||
| Right Guard | Addison Nichols (Arkansas/Tennessee) | RS Junior | #63 | ||
| Right Tackle | PJ Williams | RS Junior | #59 |
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Scott Symons – 4th Year – Previous: Liberty DC
In four years leading SMU’s defense, Scott Symons has built a tough, disciplined unit that mirrors his no-nonsense approach. His scheme mixes aggressive fronts with smart coverage disguises, forcing offenses to earn every yard. Last season, the Mustangs lost two defensive standouts to the NFL, proof that Symons’ system develops pros. He preaches gap integrity, pursuit, and pressure with no wasted motion, no cheap plays. In his third year, SMU’s defense had evolved from a liability into a calling card, giving Rhett Lashlee’s high-powered offense a mean, reliable counterpart on the other side of the ball. In year 4, the defense has taken a slight step back.
The SMU defense has given up 22.3 points through the first six games (T-55th; Clemson: T-27th). They have given up an average of 107.3 yards on the ground (27th; Clemson: 24th) and 315.8 yards through the air (133rd; Clemson: 64th). The Mustanges are giving up a total of 423.2 yards thus far (118th; Clemson: 38th).
Here is a look at the projected starters for SMU on defense along with stats from the their first six games:
| Defensive End | Cameron Robertson | Senior | #9 | 31 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, FR, 2 FFs |
| Defensive Tackle | Jeffrey M’Ba (Purdue/Auburn) | Graduate | #6 | 22 tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 sacks |
| Defensive Tackle | Terry Webb (Texas State) | RS Senior | #4 | 20 tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 sacks |
| Bandit End | Isaiah Smith | Senior | #1 | 22 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, FR |
| Middle Linebacker | Brandon Booker | Sophomore | #28 | 33 tackles, TFL, 0.5 sack |
| Weakside Linebacker | Alexander Kilgore | RS Junior | #54 | 11 tackles, Int |
| Rover Safety | Isaiah Nwokobia | RS Senior | #23 | 48 tackles, 2 TFLs, Int. |
| Free Safety | Ahmaad Moses | Senior | #3 | 44 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, sack, 2 Ints |
| Nickleback | Deuce Harmon | RS Senior | #7 | 19 tackles |
| Cornerback | Jaelyn Davis-Robinson | RS Senior | #13 | 19 tackles, 2 Ints |
| Cornerback | William Nettles | RS Freshman | #0 | 19 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, Int |
Special Teams
Here is a list of the specialists for the Mustangs along with statistics from the 2025 Season:
| Kicker | Sam Keltner | RS Freshman | #95 | 4-7; long of 48 yds |
| Punter | Wade McSparron | RS Freshman | #43 | 42.6 yd avg, long of 53 yds |
| Punt Returner | Yamir Knight (James Madison) | Junior | #8 | 8 returns, 14.3 yd avg., long of 27 yds |
| Kick Returner | Link Rhodes (San Joaquin Delta College) | Junior | #4 | 4 returns, 21.3 yd avg., long of 25 yds |
Turnovers
SMU is plus-5 (+5) in turnover margin so far, having thrown 6 interceptions and have picked off 10 opponent passes. They have recovered 4 fumble so far while losing 3 fumbles to their first six opponents.
Summary
With the news this week that Quarterback Cade Klubnik is likely out against SMU, it dampered the spirits of some of the Clemson fan base. I see it as an opportunity to get a little taste of the future with Chris Vizzina likely to take the majority of the snaps.
SMU is good offensively. Defensively, they’ve taken a step back a bit, 2nd to last in FBS in passing defense. They have picked off 10 passes, but I see that as teams are taking advantage and throwing more against them. I don’t see why Clemson, regardless of who’s at quarterback, will do the same.
I do actually like Clemson’s chances here. It would be a huge boost for the rest of the season if the Tigers can get a win.
Let’s go. Spot the ball!
Go Tigers!
