The Tigers are one half away from making their first College Football Playoff appearance since 2021.
After starting the game with explosive offensive plays and turnovers, sound defense dominated the second quarter. Clemson leads going into the locker room, 24-7.
The Tigers are making a great case for the argument that records don't always indicate how good a team is. The Mustangs have looked great all season, beating up the bottom of the ACC. Now, Clemson is on the verge of knocking the No. 8 team out of playoff contention entirely.
The most significant difference in the game is in the trenches. Clemson's front seven are outclassing SMU's offensive line. Kevin Jennings barely gets time to drop back before a Tiger is in his face. That held the explosive QB to 102 yards passing for a 54.5 completion percentage.
SMU is doing the same to Clemson, however. It held the Tigers to 62 yards in the second quarter.
Despite the lack of success on offense, both teams had chances to score. Field goal woes continue for the Tigers, going 1/2 in the second quarter. SMU also missed its only shot at points on a missed field goal.
There are 30 minutes left in the game, so it's not over yet, but history doesn't bode well for SMU. Clemson is 133-1 when leading by 17 points or more at any time in a game. As long as the Tigers match the Mustangs blow for blow, they'll walk out of Charlotte ACC Champions.