Clemson overpowers SMU in first quarter, takes early lead in ACC Championship win
Dec 7, 2024, 6:44 PM | Updated: 10:13 pm
No. 17 Clemson came out firing against No. 8 SMU in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday, putting up 21 first-quarter points in a 34-31 win that could have major implications for Arizona State.
The Sun Devils took down Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 Championship on Saturday and could be granted a first-round bye with a Clemson win. The Tigers led SMU 24-7 at the half.
The Tigers took a 7-0 lead after forcing a fumble on SMU’s opening drive and followed that by forcing the Mustangs to punt. That then led to a 5-yard touchdown reception by Clemson’s Jake Briningstool, putting the Tigers up 14-0 early in the first quarter.
It’s all Clemson right now!!! 🐯 @ClemsonFB
The Tigers are up 14-0 pic.twitter.com/b8LPa3zikG
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 8, 2024
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SMU quickly rebounded, however, driving right down the field for six on a Kevin Jennings 24-yard touchdown run with around 7:00 left in the first quarter.
But that didn’t phase the Tigers, who scored on a Bryant Wesco Jr. 43-yard touchdown reception –his second of the game — to put the Tigers up 14 once again.
SMU clawed its way back to tie it at 31 all late in the fourth quarter, but a 56-yard field goal by Clemson’s Nolan Hauser sealed the deal.
With their loss to Clemson, the Mustangs could be booted from the CFP entirely. The question now is if Clemson takes over that guaranteed bye as a conference champion, or if Arizona State jumps into that spot.
The 12-team bracket will be revealed on Sunday at 10 a.m. on ESPN. Follow along on the Arizona Sports app and online.
