Clemson’s Dabo Swinney says SMU ‘better be’ in College Football Playoff after beating them in ACC title game
In a thrilling ACC title game, SMU fought back from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, only to fall short as Clemson nailed a 56-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 34-31 victory. The Tigers, ranked 17th in the nation, clinched an automatic bid into the College Football Playoff, leaving SMU, ranked 8th, on the outside looking in.
The fate of the Ponies now rests in the hands of the CFP committee, and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made his stance clear. “That’s a playoff team. SMU, they better be in that dang playoff,” he expressed to ESPN post-game. The emotional embrace shared between Swinney and SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee on the field hinted at the mutual respect between the two coaches.
The game came down to the wire, with SMU tying the game with 16 seconds remaining after a remarkable 16-play drive. However, Clemson’s Adam Randall returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards, setting up Cade Klubnik to find Antonio Williams for a 17-yard gain. Nolan Hauser then delivered the game-winning 56-yard field goal, propelling Clemson into playoff contention alongside Arizona State.
The expansion to a 12-team playoff format was intended to allow for more flexibility and accommodate potential controversies. Yet, the selection process remains challenging, with top teams vying for limited spots. The final playoff field will be unveiled on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET, determining the ultimate contenders for the national title.
As the college football landscape evolves, the intensity and drama of championship games like the ACC showdown between SMU and Clemson continue to captivate fans. Stay tuned for the latest developments in the world of sports, and catch all the action as teams battle for supremacy on the gridiron.
