Written by Adrian Beecher
Clemson returned to the pinnacle of the ACC with a thrilling 34-31 victory, capped by kicker Nolan Hauser’s career-long 56-yard, game-winning field goal to win the 2024 ACC Championship game. The dramatic win punches the Tigers’ ticket to the College Football Playoff for the seventh time in program history.
The game started with a bang for Clemson as their defense forced a fumble just three plays into SMU’s opening drive. The Tigers capitalized immediately, with quarterback Cade Klubnick rebounding from an early sack to launch a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Bryant Wesco, opening the scoring in style.
SMU’s struggles continued as they went three-and-out on their next possession. Clemson wasted no time seizing control, scoring again in just three plays. This time, Klubnick connected with tight end Jake Briningstool on a five-yard touchdown pass, putting the Tigers up 14-0 with just 4:13 elapsed in the game.
By the end of the first quarter, Clemson held a commanding 21-7 lead. The Tigers added a field goal in the second quarter, taking a 24-7 advantage into halftime after a dominant first half on both sides of the ball.
SMU showed resilience in the second half, opening with a defensive stop and following it up with a scoring drive to cut the deficit to 24-14 just two minutes into the third quarter. However, Clemson regained control, entering the fourth quarter with a 31-14 lead.
The Mustangs refused to go quietly. Quarterback Kevin Jennings connected with tight end Matthew Hibner early in the fourth quarter to trim Clemson’s lead to 31-21 with 13:22 remaining. SMU’s defense stepped up, forcing consecutive three-and-outs, and the offense chipped away with a field goal to make it a one-score game at 31-24 with 6:56 to play.
Clemson’s offense stalled again, managing just 14 yards on a five-play drive, giving SMU one last shot with four minutes left on the clock. Jennings orchestrated a masterful 16-play, 79-yard drive, capped by a spectacular toe-tap, four-yard touchdown catch by wide reciever Roderick Daniels. The score tied the game at 31-31 with only 16 seconds remaining, setting the stage for what seemed like an inevitable overtime.
But Clemson had other plans. On the ensuing kickoff, SMU’s coverage faltered, allowing returner Adam Randall to break loose for a 41-yard return to the Tigers’ 45-yard line. With one timeout remaining, Klubnick hit wide reciever Antonio Williams for a crucial 17-yard gain to the SMU 38. Clemson used their final timeout, setting the stage for Hauser.
With the pressure on and time expiring, Hauser delivered, nailing the 56-yard field goal to clinch the ACC Championship in unforgettable fashion.
Clemson’s return to ACC prominence was nothing short of dramatic, solidifying their place among college football’s elite once again.
