SMU is back Down 17 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough.
Clemson made a 56-yard field goal. As time expired in a 34-31 victory in the ACC title game, clinched an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.
The Tigers were ranked 17th in the nation, so at least one team in the top 12 is going to get a boot from the playoffs.
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SMU, ranked No. 8 in the nation entering the title game, may now be on the outside looking in.
The pony’s fate is in his hands. of the CFP Committeebut if Dabo Sweeney was on it, his decision would be clear.
“This is a playoff team. SMU, they better be in the dang playoffs,” he told ESPN on the field after the game.
“There’s no way they’re not going to be in these playoffs.”
Sweeney and Rhett Lashley shared a long embrace as they passed the posts on the winning field goal at midfield, and it’s hard to imagine Sweeney didn’t share those sentiments with the SMU head coach.
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney talks to his team during the first half of the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Images)
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SMU tied the game with 16 seconds left after a 16-play drive, but Adam Randle returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards to its own 45. Cade Klubnik then found Antonio Williams for 17 yards, and the Tigers called a timeout, bringing out Nolan Hauser. , which left the 56-yarder plenty of space.
Clemson and Arizona State will square off for the final bye in the quarterfinals — the Sunny Devils defeated Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Saturday afternoon.
Nolan Hauser #81 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal following the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halvorson/Getty Images)
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Of course, the committee decided to move 12 teams to allow more room for error. Given the controversy over leaving Florida State last year, who would have thought it would still be difficult?
The full field will be announced on Sunday at 12pm ET.
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