SMU Mustangs
Up first in this four game gauntlet for Clemson is its opponent from the ACC Championship game, SMU. The Mustangs will make their first ever trip into Death Valley.
Rhett Lashlee and his team will be arriving with intentions of getting revenge for the loss in the conference championship. A game the Tigers won with a walk-off field goal in a very entertaining, back-and-forth contest.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings is back with SMU and continues to improve his game. Jennings is currently completing 71.7% of his passes and has thrown 15 touchdowns to six interceptions coming into the matchup this weekend.
He has a bevy of talented pass catchers around him. This includes the stand-out tight end RJ Maryland, who has 14 receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Entering this game against Clemson, Maryland is one of six players with 10+ catches. The Mustangs leading receiver is Romello Brinson who has 32 receptions for 484 yards and three touchdowns.
Lashlee’s defense has been no slouch either. The Mustangs’ defense has the most sacks (19), and interceptions (10) in the conference. They are also fourth in the conference and 26th in the FBS in total run defense, giving up just 107.3 rushing yards per game.
SMU will give the Tigers everything it has in Clemson on Saturday to avenge the loss in Charlotte in 2024. The Mustangs will also want to keep their undefeated record in ACC play, (10-0 since joining the conference) intact.