Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) runs during the second quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the 2024 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

News Articles

Nolan Hauser’s FG sends No. 17 Clemson past No. 8 SMU as time expires

CHARLOTTE — Nolan Hauser kicked a 56-yard field goal as time expired, Cade Klubnik threw four touchdown passes and No. 17 Clemson pulled out a 34-31 victory against No. 8 SMU on Saturday night in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.

The game appeared destined for overtime after Kevin Jennings capped a 16-play, 79-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Roderick Daniels Jr. with 16 seconds left in the fourth quarter to pull the Mustangs (11-2) even at 31.

However, Adam Randall returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards before Klubnik completed a pass for a gain of 17. Hauser then came out and booted the longest field goal in ACC title game history.

Hauser’s kick spoiled a wild comeback by SMU, which trailed 31-14 with 23 seconds to go in the third quarter following a 5-yard scoring connection between Klubnik and Jake Briningstool.

Before tying the game at 31-all, the Mustangs saw their deficit shrink thanks to Jennings’ 20-yard TD pass to Matthew Hibner and a 46-yard field goal from Collin Rogers.

Briningstool and Bryant Wesco Jr. each hauled in two touchdowns for Clemson (10-3). Wesco went off for eight receptions for 143 yards. Klubnik finished 24-for-41 passing for 262 yards.

Jennings threw for three touchdowns, an interception and 304 yards on 31-for-50 passing. Brashard Smith rushed for 113 yards on 24 carries, and Daniels finished with eight catches for 97 yards and the score.

SMU pulled within 24-14 with 11:04 left in the third quarter on a 10-yard TD pass from Jennings to Smith before the Tigers built their 31-14 lead.

It was all Clemson in the first half, as the Tigers took a 24-7 cushion into the break.

After Jennings lost a fumble on the game’s first drive, Klubnik opened the scoring with a 35-yard scoring strike to Wesco.

Briningstool made it 14-0 with 10:47 to play in the first quarter, grabbing a 5-yard TD.

SMU countered with a 75-yard drive, which ended when Jennings ran into the end zone from 24 yards out. But Clemson went the same distance on its ensuing possession, with Wesco scoring on a 43-yard reception.

The Tigers’ lead grew to 24-7 by halftime on Hauser’s 44-yard field goal with 5:22 left in the second quarter.

–Bob Sutton, Field Level Media

Field Level Media
Sport Writer & Editor
FLM has a North American focus while tying into regional and hyper-local resources – providing the ability to distribute compelling content through the writing of professional journalists. As the U.S. sports content provider to dozens of digital and print media publishers through strategic partnerships with the likes of Reuters and Nielsen Sports, FLM covers the nuts and bolts with a breaking news desk and game event coverage.

Sportsbooks

Rated 5/5

Upcoming Games