SMU mounted an incredible comeback from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, only to fall short.
Clemson secured a 34-31 victory in the ACC title game with a dramatic 56-yard field goal as time expired, clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Tigers, ranked 17th nationally, will likely displace a team in the top 12 for a playoff spot.
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(L-R) Head coach Rhett Lashlee of the SMU Mustangs and head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers speak before the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
SMU, previously ranked 8th in the nation, may now be on the outside of the playoff picture.
Their fate rests with the CFP committee, although based on Dabo Swinney’s remarks, the decision should be clear.
“That’s a playoff team. SMU, they better be in that dang playoff,” he exclaimed to ESPN after the game.
Swinney and Rhett Lashlee shared a poignant moment following the last-minute victory, indicating mutual respect.
Head Coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers speaks to his team during the first half of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Images)
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SMU tied the game with 16 seconds remaining but allowed a 41-yard kickoff return and a 17-yard pass completion setting up Clemson’s victory-sealing field goal.
Clemson and Arizona State are now in contention for a bye into the quarterfinals, with the Sun Devils dominating Iowa State in their conference championship.
Nolan Hauser #81 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after kicking the game winning field goal after the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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The expansion to 12 teams was meant to prevent omissions like Florida State last year, yet controversy still looms.
The full playoff lineup will be revealed on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.
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