The ACC has experienced one of the wildest regular seasons in 2024, with one major game still remaining. Few could have anticipated the dramatic decline of preseason No. 10 Florida State. Meanwhile, Miami appeared to be the favorite to win the ACC until shocking losses to Georgia Tech (28-23) and Syracuse (42-38) last weekend. This set the stage for the ACC Championship Game, featuring the 9-2 Clemson Tigers and the 11-1 SMU Mustangs, who are undefeated in conference play. Both teams are currently ranked in the playoffs, with SMU at No. 9 and Clemson at No. 12, though Clemson may drop in Tuesday’s rankings after a home loss to No. 15 South Carolina. Neither team has beaten a currently ranked opponent this season. If SMU wins, they secure a second-round bye; Clemson’s fate hinges on results in the Mountain West and Big 12 title games.
On Saturday, Clemson has the chance to rebound by defeating Top 10 SMU and ending their pre-playoff campaign on a high note.
Clemson Statistical Leaders:
Passing: QB Cade Klubnik – 3,041 yards, 64.2% comp, 29 TD, 5 INT
Rushing: RB Phil Mafah – 1,078 yards, 5.4 YPC, 8 TD
Receiving: WR Antonio Williams – 66 receptions, 788 yards, 11.9 YPC, 10 TD
SMU Mustangs Overview
SMU has quietly put together an impressive 11-1 season, their only loss being an 18-15 defeat to BYU in September. Since then, they’ve won 10 straight games. Like Clemson, SMU lacks a victory over a currently ranked team, but their consistency and the chaos in the rankings have propelled them to No. 9 and into the ACC title game. A win would solidify their spot in the playoffs and earn a first-round bye. To achieve this, they must overcome a battle-tested Clemson squad.
SMU Statistical Leaders:
Passing: QB Kevin Jennings – 2,746 yards, 66.7% comp, 19 TD, 7 INT
Rushing: RB Brashard Smith – 1,157 yards, 6.0 YPC, 14 TD
Receiving: WR Roderick Daniels – 30 receptions, 502 yards, 16.7 YPC, 2 TD; WR Key’Shawn Smith – 30 receptions, 499 yards, 16.6 YPC, 5 TD
Notre Dame’s Playoff Implications
If SMU Wins:
A Clemson loss would eliminate the Tigers from playoff contention, potentially moving Notre Dame to the No. 5–7 range depending on other conference results. This could open an at-large playoff spot, likely for 9-3 Alabama, currently No. 13 but poised to rise with their wins over Georgia, Missouri, and South Carolina. If Notre Dame lands the No. 6 seed, Alabama (No. 11) would face them in South Bend, potentially in snowy conditions.
If Clemson Wins:
Things become complicated if Clemson wins the ACC title but does not secure a first-round bye. Boise State and Arizona State could earn the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds due to better records and more ranked wins, relegating Clemson to an at-large bid. SMU could also still make the playoffs as an 11-2 team, though their lack of ranked wins makes this a stretch. For Notre Dame, the outcome of other conference title games becomes critical. A No. 5 seed would mean hosting Clemson in South Bend for a mid-December playoff matchup.