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Clemson’s Last-Minute Heroics
In a nail-biting finish at the ACC Championship game, Clemson University pulled off a stunning victory against Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a 56-yard field goal as time expired. This dramatic moment not only secured a 34-31 win for the Tigers but also guaranteed their place in the College Football Playoff.
The game, held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, particularly SMU, who fought back from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
SMU’s Heartbreak and Playoff Implications
Entering the championship ranked 8th in the nation, SMU’s hopes for a playoff berth now hang in the balance. Despite their valiant effort to tie the game with just 16 seconds left, their fate lies in the hands of the College Football Playoff committee.
Head coach Dabo Swinney of Clemson expressed his belief that SMU deserves a spot in the playoffs, stating, “That’s a playoff team. They better be in that dang playoff.” This sentiment resonates with many fans and analysts who argue that the committee should consider SMU’s impressive season and performance in the championship game.
The Road Ahead for Clemson and SMU
With Clemson’s victory, they now join Arizona State in the race for the final bye into the quarterfinals. Arizona State’s recent triumph over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship adds another layer of complexity to the playoff picture.
The expansion to a 12-team playoff format was intended to provide more opportunities for teams, yet the ongoing debates about deserving teams highlight the challenges that remain. As the playoff field is set to be announced on Sunday at noon ET, fans eagerly await the committee’s decision, which could either reward SMU for their efforts or leave them on the outside looking in.
