SMU Shocks Clemson
CLEMSON, S.C. — In a game marked by grit, redemption, and late-game execution, SMU avenged last year’s Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship loss with a 35–24 victory over Clemson on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
SMU Controls the Pace
Quarterback Kevin Jennings led the Mustangs with 290 passing yards and two touchdowns, delivering steady play despite an interception in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs leaned on a balanced offense that outgained Clemson 139–35 in rushing yards, a statistic that underscored their physical dominance up front.
After holding a 16–7 halftime lead, SMU responded to every Clemson rally with poise. In the third quarter, Clemson clawed back to within two points, but the Mustangs answered with back-to-back 75-yard scoring drives. Running back Jaylan McFall scored on a 35-yard sprint, and tight end Matthew Hibner added a 22-yard, one-handed touchdown grab to extend the advantage to 29–17.
Clemson’s Fight Falls Short
Clemson, missing injured star quarterback Cade Klubnik, turned to backup Christopher Vizzina, who impressed in his first start. The freshman threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns, including two to receiver T.J. Moore, who caught five passes for 124 yards. One of those was a highlight-reel, one-handed 62-yard touchdown reception that briefly reignited Clemson’s momentum before SMU reasserted control.
Vizzina’s persistence brought Clemson within five points midway through the fourth quarter after connecting with tight end Tristan Smith on a 23-yard touchdown on fourth-and-21. But Clemson’s defense, plagued by penalties and fatigue, faltered when SMU drew a critical fourth-down pass interference call on the Mustangs’ next drive. Jennings followed with a 26-yard completion to Jordan Hudson, and running back Chris Johnson Jr. sealed the game with a six-yard touchdown run with 1:03 remaining.
The Aftermath
For SMU (5–2, 3–0 ACC), the victory marked their third straight win and solidified their standing as a top contender in the ACC race. Hudson led all receivers with seven catches for 131 yards and a touchdown, continuing his breakout season. Head coach Rhett Lashlee praised his quarterback’s composure, calling Jennings “a stud we’ve believed in for years”.
Clemson (3–4, 2–3 ACC) fell below .500, suffering its fourth loss of the season and third at home — the program’s worst home stretch since 2001. Beyond the defeat, the Tigers faced injury concerns: wide receiver Bryant Wesco was hospitalized after a neck injury, and left guard Collin Sadler left the game with a leg injury that was later confirmed not to be broken.
As chants of celebration echoed from the small but loud SMU section, the Mustangs walked off Memorial Stadium’s field having toppled an ACC power — and perhaps changing the trajectory of their season in the process. Clemson, meanwhile, enters its bye week searching for answers and awaiting the return of its injured leader before hosting Duke on November 1.
