SMU's inconceivable run in its first ACC season culminates in a conflict with the convention's prime program Saturday evening in Charlotte.
The Mustangs are only one win away from profitable their 13th convention championship in program historical past and first within the ACC after making the soar from a Group of 5 convention only a few months in the past.
However to assert the crown, SMU should beat Clemson, which has gained a file eight ACC championship video games because the recreation started in 2005.
Right here's what it’s worthwhile to learn about this week's recreation.
SMU vs. Clemson
When: 7 pm CT Saturday at Financial institution of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC
information: SMU (11-1, Eight-Zero); Clemson (9-Three, 7-1)
The final assembly: Clemson and SMU have by no means performed earlier than.
What’s at stake?
SMU was already probably the most profitable group in historical past to make the soar from a Group of 5 convention to an influence convention and might now add a championship to its resume.
A win Saturday would mark the third time in program historical past that SMU has claimed back-to-back convention championships, because the ACC look within the title recreation comes only one 12 months after their AAC Championship victory.
Past the convention title, SMU nonetheless has Faculty Soccer Playoff hopes. This system feels they’ve executed sufficient to earn a spot within the 12-team subject no matter their final result Saturday, however a win over Clemson ensures it and a first-round bye.
When SMU has the ball
Clemson's protection has been its calling card for years, and it's loaded with prime recruits that SMU should put together for.
That's a part of the rationale the Tigers rank fifth within the nation in turnover margin this season with a plus-14 margin.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings had some turnover points in his final look within the championship recreation, which was his first profession begin. Though he has improved enormously since then, he should be very cautious with the soccer on Saturday.
SMU additionally has a bonus within the operating recreation. Clemson ranks 14th within the ACC in dashing yards allowed per recreation at 150.Three. They've additionally given up 13 dashing touchdowns of their 12 video games and averaged four.6 yards per carry. SMU can capitalize on operating again Brashard Smith, who ranks eighth within the nation in all-purpose yards, together with greater than 1,100 on the bottom.
When Clemson has the ball
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is within the midst of the perfect season of his profession, throwing for greater than Three,000 yards and 29 touchdowns with simply 5 interceptions.
The Austin Westlake alum gained a state title the identical 12 months as Jennings and was one of many prime recruits within the nation out of highschool.
He additionally has a gifted receiving corps to throw to, together with Antonio Williams, who has 66 catches for 788 yards and 10 touchdowns, and true freshman Bryant Wesco Jr. from Midlothian, who has 30 catches for 535 yards and three touchdowns this 12 months.
SMU's secondary shall be challenged greater than it has in latest weeks, asking veterans like Isaiah Nwokobia and Jonathan McGill to have standout video games.
foresight
SMU shall be challenged in opposition to a top-25 opponent that’s sturdy on each side of the ball.
The secondary will wrestle at occasions to maintain up with Clemson's passing recreation, and the offense gained't have the identical constant success it has in opposition to most ACC opponents.
Nevertheless, Brashard Smith would be the distinction for SMU in one other triple-digit, multi-touchdown recreation to guide the Mustangs to their first ACC title.
Rating: SMU 24, Clemson 20
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