The SMU Mustangs, known for their explosive, fast-paced offense, present a unique challenge for a Clemson team looking to assert its dominance in the conference.
This isn't just another game on the schedule; it's a game of revenge. Can Clemson's powerful defense and offense control the tempo, or will they get drawn into a track meet with the high-flying Mustangs--who are looking to take down the Tigers after losing in the ACC Championship last year? For Dabo Swinney's Tigers, maintaining their brand of football is paramount.
Winning this game requires discipline and execution. Here are the five keys for Clemson to welcome SMU to the ACC with a loss.
1. Ground the Air Raid
SMU's offense is built on speed, precision passing, and wearing defenses out. Clemson's number one priority is to disrupt that rhythm from the very first snap. The defensive front, led by an imposing interior line, must generate pressure without needing to send extra blitzers, allowing the back seven to focus on coverage. The secondary has to tackle well in space and prevent the short passes from turning into huge gains. If Clemson can make the SMU quarterback uncomfortable and keep their receivers in front of them, they can effectively ground the Mustangs' aerial assault.
2. Control the Clock with the Ground Game
The best defense against an explosive offense is to keep it on the sideline. This game plan is tailor-made for Clemson's power running scheme. The Tigers must establish physical dominance at the line of scrimmage, opening up lanes for their talented stable of running backs to chew up yards and, more importantly, the clock. Long, sustained drives that end in points will not only wear down the SMU defense but will also frustrate the Mustangs' offense, keeping them cold on the bench. A successful day on the ground is the clearest path to a Clemson victory.
3. Keep Cade Klubnik Clean and Efficient
While controlling the clock is key, Clemson will still need to make timely plays through the air. SMU's defense, while aggressive, can be vulnerable to well-executed play-action passes. This makes protecting quarterback Cade Klubnik essential. The offensive line must be prepared for SMU's blitz packages and give Klubnik the time he needs to make smart, decisive throws. An efficient, turnover-free performance from Klubnik will be critical to keeping the offense on schedule and putting points on the board.
4. Win the Turnover Battle
In a game featuring a high-volume passing attack, opportunities for takeaways will be there for the taking. Clemson's defense needs to be opportunistic. An interception or a forced fumble can completely swing the momentum, silencing the SMU offense and giving the Tigers a short field. On the other side of the ball, protecting the football is non-negotiable. Giving a quick-strike offense like SMU extra possessions via turnovers is a recipe for an upset.
5. Weaponize the 12th Man
It's a conference game in Death Valley. The "Clemson Family" needs to be a major factor. The noise when SMU's offense is on the field must be relentless, disrupting their snap count and communication. Forcing the Mustangs to burn timeouts or suffer procedural penalties can stall their high-tempo attack. The energy from the sold-out crowd can provide a crucial boost for the home team, especially in the fourth quarter of a tight game. Clemson must feed off that energy from start to finish.