Clemson Tigers Claim ACC Title on Hauser's Late Field Goal

© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

It was an electric Atlantic Coast Conference championship game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Dec. 7, one that went down to the wire. The No. 8 Southern Methodist Mustangs (11-2, 8-0 ACC) and No. 17 Clemson Tigers (10-3, 7-1 ACC) played a game for the record books, ultimately decided by Clemson's field goal kicker. Tigers kicker Nolan Hauser stole the spotlight with a game-winning 56-yard field goal as time expired to give Clemson a 34-31 win.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 4 touchdowns and set a new ACC record for TD passes thrown in one quarter. SMU rallied behind quarterback Kevin Jennings, who shook off a rough start to throw for 300 yards and 3 TDs.

Tigers Out of the Gates

Unlike your typical pony race, when the ACC Championship game gates opened, it was the Tigers racing to an early lead. Clemson’s defense started strong when defensive end T.J. Parker strip-sacked Jennings on the second play of the game. The Tigers took over at the Mustangs' 35-yard line. Two plays later, Klubnik found Bryant Wesco Jr. for a TD for a 7-0 Clemson lead. The Tigers' defensive line then stuffed SMU, leading to a three-and-out. Thanks to a great punt return and an SMU personal foul, Clemson's next drive started in SMU territory again. Klubnik took advantage of it four plays later when he found tight end Jake Briningstool for a 5-yard TD, putting the Tigers up 14-0.

SMU’s third drive was a breath of fresh air as the Mustangs used a hurry-up offense and found success. Jennings got rid of the football much quicker, slowing down Clemson's defensive line. The Mustangs put together an impressive 10-play, 75-yard drive that concluded with Jennings scampering 24 yards untouched into the end zone. Clemson was now up 14-7 and wasted no time to respond with a 75-yard drive of its own. Wesco Jr. shook off two SMU defenders en route to a 43-yard TD reception. It was Klubnik’s third passing TD in the first quarter, putting the Tigers ahead 21-7.

In the second quarter, both offenses cooled off and the game became a battle of defenses and special teams. After Jennings threw an errant interception to safety Khalil Barnes, Clemson got into scoring position. Hauser missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. SMU then drove down the field, but Mustangs kicker Collin Rogers missed a 53-yard field goal attempt. Hauser, though, connected just before halftime from 44 yards out, putting Clemson up 24-7.

Rally Falls Short for Mustangs

Clemson opened the third quarter with a punt. But the Mustangs put together a 7-play drive that resulted in a touchdown by running back Brashard Smith, putting SMU within 24-14. A much more confident Jennings got help thanks to a heroic diving catch by Roderick Daniels Jr. to set up the score. Klubnik and Briningstool later connected again for a Clemson TD to put the Tigers up 31-14. SMU's combination of Jennings and tight end Matthew Hibner was huge to keep the Mustangs’ chances alive. Hibner caught a TD pass, pulling SMU within 31-21.

Both teams’ defenses stood stout as the next three drives resulted in punts. A Rogers 46-yard field goal put SMU down only by 7 at 31-24. The Mustangs' defense stood tall on Clemson’s next drive. After a Tigers drive ended with a punt, SMU was positioned to tie the game. The Mustangs put together a demanding 16-play, 79-yard drive to tie the game with 16 seconds remaining. Jennings hit Roderick Daniels on a 4-yard TD pass, making it 31-31 all.

© Bob Donnan - Imagn Images

A big kickoff return by Clemson’s Adam Randall gave the Tigers the ball on their 45-yard line with a chance to get into field goal position. Klubnik hit a quick pass to Antonio Williams to put the ball into SMU territory. It left Hauser with a 56-yard field goal attempt with mere seconds on the game clock. His long for the season was 51 yards. But, with 3 ticks on the scoreboard clock, Hauser connected and the ball soared through the uprights as time expired.

Players of the Game

WR Bryant Wesco Jr., Clemson

Wesco saved his best game for the ACC Championship, getting 8 receptions for 142 yards and 2 TDs. It could not have come at a better time. The Tigers needed an offensive spark after losing Jay Hanes and Phil Mafah to injury. Wesco stepped in and lifted up the offense.

© Jim Dedmon - Imagn Images

QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Klubnik continues to make waves across college football. He was 24-of-41 passing for 260 yards and 4 TDs. Once again, he had a turnover-free game, Klubnik's eighth of the season. He also set an ACC Championship record by throwing three TD passes in the first quarter, the only QB to have such a feat.

Looking Ahead

The Clemson Tigers are back in the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020. After a back-and-forth season, the Tigers are fortunate to represent the ACC this season. They got the help they needed from Fran Brown and Syracuse. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made sure to publicly thank Brown and the Orange during the ACC trophy presentation.

The SMU Mustangs will have to take this loss back to University Park, Texas, and await their fate. There is certainly an argument to be made for them sneaking into the CFP as the ACC’s second team in, but the odds are bleak. The official bracket will be announced on Dec. 8.