Clemson, S.C. — Kevin Jennings threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, and Chris Johnson Jr. sealed the game with a bruising 6-yard scoring run in the final minutes as SMU defeated Clemson 35–24 on Saturday, earning payback for last year’s Atlantic Coast Conference championship loss.
The Mustangs (5–2, 3–0 ACC) have now won three straight and stayed unbeaten in conference play behind a balanced offense that outgained Clemson 139–35 on the ground and came up clutch in the fourth quarter.
“It’s a big win for our program,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. “We talked all week about belief — in yourself, in each other, and in the idea that you can be the better team. That’s where it starts.”
SMU flips the script
Clemson (3–4, 2–3) beat SMU 34–31 in last year’s ACC title game on a walk-off field goal. This time, the Mustangs turned the tables, holding firm when the Tigers threatened late.
Leading 29–24 midway through the fourth quarter, SMU kept its drive alive with a pass interference call on fourth-and-3 near midfield. Two plays later, Jennings hit Jordan Hudson for a 26-yard completion on third-and-10 to move the chains again. That set up Johnson’s game-clinching touchdown run with 1:03 remaining, as he powered through tacklers into the end zone.
Hudson led all receivers with seven catches for 131 yards and a touchdown, while Jennings completed 22 of 33 passes in a composed, efficient performance.
“They’ve won a lot of ACC championships,” Hudson said. “We’re trying to reach that level. We just kept our heads down and worked all week.”
Clemson shorthanded without Klubnik
The Tigers were forced to play without Cade Klubnik, their Preseason All-American quarterback, who sat out with an ankle injury. Redshirt freshman Christopher Vizzina made his first collegiate start and impressed in spots, completing 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns, including two to T.J. Moore.
Moore hauled in five catches for 124 yards, highlighted by a spectacular one-handed 62-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter.
“Cade did everything he could to get ready, but he just couldn’t push off his foot,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “I thought Christopher competed and got better as the game went on.”
Swinney said he expects Klubnik to return after Clemson’s bye week to face Duke.
Momentum swings
After Clemson cut the lead to 16–14 early in the third quarter, SMU responded with back-to-back 75-yard scoring drives. Running back Jaylan McFall broke free on a 35-yard pitch for a touchdown, and tight end Matthew Hibner followed with a one-handed 22-yard scoring grab that extended the lead to 29–17.
Clemson briefly surged back when Ricardo Jones intercepted Jennings in the fourth quarter, setting up a desperate fourth-and-21 touchdown pass from Vizzina to Tristan Smith, narrowing the deficit to 29–24. But SMU’s offense wouldn’t be denied on its final drive.
Historic skid for Tigers
The defeat marked Clemson’s fifth straight loss to Power Conference opponents, its longest such drought since 1971.
“It’s jarring and disappointing,” Swinney said. “We’ve got to get better.”
Injuries pile up
The Tigers suffered two concerning injuries. Receiver Bryant Wesco was taken to the hospital after landing awkwardly on his head and neck; Swinney called it a “serious” injury and requested prayers. Offensive lineman Collin Sadler was carted off with a leg injury late in the fourth quarter, though X-rays revealed no fracture.
The Takeaway
SMU: Jennings was poised and accurate throughout, aside from one interception. The Mustangs continue to look like legitimate ACC title contenders under Lashlee.
Clemson: Despite strong quarterback play from Vizzina, the Tigers’ rushing attack was nearly nonexistent. Adam Randall led the team with just 29 yards on 10 carries.
Up Next:
SMU: at Wake Forest on Saturday.
Clemson: hosts Duke on Nov. 1.
