Dec 53 min read

Mustangs Challenge Tigers in Fantastic Clash for ACC Title

Updated: Dec 8

On Dec. 7, the No.8 SMU Mustangs (11-1, 8-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) travel to Charlotte, N.C. to battle the No. 17 Clemson Tigers (9-3, 7-1) in a primetime showdown to determine the championship of the ACC. The game is the first-ever matchup between the two storied programs and carries implications that could significantly impact the landscape of the College Football Playoff. Who has the advantage as the Mustangs get set to challenge the Tigers?

See how our picks stack up compared to odds across betting sites.

What's on the Line?

The Mustangs' first season in the ACC has been tremendous. Undefeated in their conference schedule, they have earned the opportunity to play for the league title against Clemson. It is a chance for the Mustangs and head coach Rhett Lashlee to get a signature win. The toughest game for the Mustangs carries the biggest rewards. A win for the Mustangs would firmly position them among the powers of the conference and secure a spot in the CFP.

The game provides the Tigers a final opportunity to return to the CFP. After missing out on the ACC title a season ago, Clemson returns to Charlotte to play for its 11th conference title under head coach Dabo Swinney. While the Tigers have had disappointing losses this season, an upset victory in the conference championship game would reestablish them as one of the country's top teams and, more importantly, earn them a spot in the CFP.

SMU is favored by 2 points over Clemson.

Who to Watch for the SMU Mustangs

On offense, the Mustangs hit another gear when quarterback Kevin Jennings took over as the starting quarterback. He's shown the ability to make plays with his legs as well as his strong arm. He's thrown for 2,746 yards and completed 66.7 percent of his passes. Averaging over nine yards per pass he's led his team to an undefeated record in their first season in the conference.

Running back Brashard Smith has been invaluable for SMU with 1,669 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns. Coming out of the backfield, he has shown solid vision, averaging 6 yards per carry.

Defensively, linebacker Kobe Wilson has been the heart and soul of the team, leading the way with 95 tackles. He also has 3 sacks, 2 interceptions (1 returned for a TD) and 1 forced fumble. He excels in coverage, ranging fluidly from sideline to sideline. Defensive ends Isaiah Smith and Jahfari Harvey have been nightmares for opposing offenses. The duo has 13 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Finally, safeties Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmad Moses have skillfully patrolled the secondary with 6 interceptions and 152 tackles between them.

Which Tigers to Keep an Eye on

Offensively, QB Cade Klubnik's growth in the second year of coordinator Garrett Riley's offense has led to a top-notch campaign for the signal caller. He's completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,041 yards and 29 touchdowns. With the added versatility to make plays with his legs, he's rushed for 438 yards. Klubnik has shown the ability to take over games.

While running back Phil Mafah has been fun to watch as the lead back, as he's eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, receivers Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco have helped the team score often. The duo has 1,323 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Defensively, the linebackers Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz have been ball hawks for the Tigers. The pair has combined for 135 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 9 pass breakups and 3 forced fumbles. They close quickly to make plays, attacking the line aggressively and effectively. Safety Khalil Barnes and cornerback Aveion Terrell have led the way in the secondary with 12 pass breakups, 5 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. They are athletically versatile enough to cover any receiver and attack the line of scrimmage against the run.

Matchup to Watch

Cade Klubnik vs. Kevin Jennings

Klubnik is fourth and Jennings is seventh in the conference in passing yardage. Both can deliver the ball to their playmakers in all areas of the field, and both generally make wise decisions, minimizing interceptions (12 combined INTs in 696 attempts). The QBs will face challenges from stout defenses. SMU leads the conference in points allowed with 19.8 and Clemson is second with 21.6. Klubnik and Jennings can light up the night sky. The QB who finds greater success will likely lead his team to the conference championship.