CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cade Klubnik threw for 262 yards and 4 touchdowns, Nolan Hauser kicked 56-yard discipline aim as time expired and the No. 18 Clemson knocked off No. 6 SMU 34-31 Saturday night time within the Atlantic Coast Convention championship to earn a spot within the School Soccer Playoff and place itself for a first-round bye.
Hauser’s discipline aim was the longest in ACC championship sport historical past.
Bryant Wesco had eight catches for 143 yards and two TDs within the first quarter for the Tigers (10-3, No. 17 CFP), who wanted a win to get into the expanded 12-team playoffs.
Jake Briningstool added two brief TD receptions as Clemson improved to 9-1 in ACC championship video games beneath coach Dabo Swinney.
Kevin Jennings threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns and ran a rating for SMU (11-1, No. 8 CFP), which had gone 8-0 within the common season in its first yr since within the ACC after transferring over from American Athletic Convention.
The error-filled loss price the Mustangs a shot at a first-round bye within the CFP and doubtlessly may preserve them out of the sphere altogether.
Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker set the tone on the sport’s first sequence with a sack-fumble and Klubnik threw three first quarter landing passes because the Tigers, a 2 1/2-point underdog, bolted to a 21-7 lead.
Klubnik completed the primary quarter 8 of 10 for 120 yards with three TDs, together with scoring tosses of 45 and 35 yards to Wesco.
