There wasn't a more poetic way for the Tigers to finish. After a season plagued with field goal struggles, Clemson wins the ACC Championship on a 56-yard walk-off field goal to win 34-31.
If it weren't for the Mustangs giving up two early turnovers, Clemson might've had a long night. The Tigers started strong with a 21-point first-quarter performance, but SMU put clamps on them in the final three and battled back, scoring 24 second-half points. But it was Clemson who would have the last laugh.
With 16 seconds left, SMU scored the tying touchdown, but Adam Randall's 41-yard final kickoff return sparked life into the Tigers with nine seconds left on the clock. A 17-yard pass to Antonio Williams put Clemson within field goal range with three seconds. Even then, with all the kicking woes this season, confidence didn't radiate from the Clemson sideline. However, Nolan Hauser will travel back to South Carolina as a hero, knocking through the walk-off score with ice in his veins.
Clemson has earned itself a spot in the College Football Playoffs with this win. Tomorrow, we should know who the Tigers play on their journey to the 2024-2025 National Championship game.