The SMU Mustangs rode into Memorial Stadium and silenced a crowd of nearly 80,000, pulling off a stunning 35-24 upset over the Clemson Tigers on Saturday afternoon in a game that was dominated by the visitors from start to finish.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings was masterful, completing 23 of 43 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns. The tone was set early in the first quarter when Jennings connected with wide receiver Jordan Hudson for a 70-yard touchdown on their first play from scrimmage, a sign of the explosive offense to come. Hudson was Jennings' favorite target all day, hauling in seven catches for 131 yards and the score.
While Clemson's quarterback, Christopher Vizzina, put up impressive numbers with 317 yards and three touchdowns, the Tigers' offense was one-dimensional and unable to establish a running game, finishing with a paltry 35 yards on the ground. Vizzina connected with T.J. Moore for two long touchdowns of 32 and 62 yards, but it wasn't enough to overcome the relentless pressure from the SMU defense, which registered four sacks on the day.
The Mustangs built their lead methodically. After the opening touchdown, kicker Sam Keltner was perfect in the second quarter, nailing field goals from 51, 48, and 48 yards to give SMU a 16-7 halftime lead.
Every time Clemson seemed to claw its way back into the game, SMU had an answer. After Moore's 62-yard touchdown in the third quarter cut the lead to 16-14, SMU running back Derrick McFall immediately responded with a 35-yard touchdown run of his own.
The game was ultimately sealed in the fourth quarter on a methodical 13-play, 75-yard drive by the Mustangs, capped off by a 6-yard touchdown run from Chris Johnson Jr. with just over a minute remaining, putting the game out of reach.
The win moves SMU to 4-2 on the season and an impressive 2-0 in conference play, establishing them as a serious contender. For Clemson, the loss drops them to a disappointing 3-4 (2-3 in conference) and raises serious questions about the direction of their season.
Statistical Breakdown
Key Performers
- Kevin Jennings (SMU): 23/43, 290 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Christopher Vizzina (CLEM): 29/42, 317 YDS, 3 TD
- Jordan Hudson (SMU): 7 REC, 131 YDS, 1 TD
- T.J. Moore (CLEM): 5 REC, 124 YDS, 2 TD
- Chris Johnson Jr. (SMU): 6 RUSH, 59 YDS, 1 TD
- Derrick McFall (SMU): 4 RUSH, 47 YDS, 1 TD