How ironic sports can be. All season, the Clemson football team has struggled to make field goals having even had five field goals blocked this season. But when the ACC Championship Game and a spot in the College Football Playoff was on the line, the Tigers' special teams came through in a big way.
Hitting a season-long 56-yard field goal as time expired, freshman kicker Nolan Hauser essentially erased a season's worth of field-goal kicking agony with one mighty swing of his leg. Now, the Tigers are going to be part of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.
It was a thrilling game that saw the Tigers blow a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter only to prevail 34-31 on the game's final play after having only 16 seconds left to score after SMU tied the game at 31-31 with a brilliant touchdown catch by Roderick Daniels Jr.
It was a wild ride for Clemson fans in the second half as the Tigers jumped out to a 24-7 halftime lead only to slowly let the Mustangs climb back into the game. So once the contest went final, fans took to social media to celebrate.
in nolan we trust
β π’ππ»π²π·π β π (@SyrinxXd) December 8, 2024
@nolanhauser right now pic.twitter.com/AC8blU19fn
β CharlesG06 (@charles_grant) December 8, 2024
β . (@ShadowRea1m) December 8, 2024
Of course, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney always draws a lot of attention regardless of his team's outcome. That was again the case after he spoke mainly about God and his faith in the postgame as fans had a good time with that.
dabo might recite the entire new testament in his presser
β big content guy (@bigcontentguy) December 8, 2024
Uhhβ¦ Daboβ¦ I appreciate & respect the βThank you, Jesus.β
β Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) December 8, 2024
But⦠how about a shout out / hat tip / thank you to @CuseFootball ?? ;)
Dabo Swinney winning an ACC title in the NIL era pic.twitter.com/i1U4xvC1D0
β Deablo fan account (@DeferredWalkOn) December 8, 2024
Dabo with 71 references to the lord and then a Lloyd Christmas Dumb and Dumber quote all in 60 seconds. That's range.
β Zachary Cohen (@BettingOnX) December 8, 2024
Dabo insisting that SMU make the playoff in his first field interview answer, then shouting out Fran Brown in his first podium interview answer is the most conference solidarity I can remember in an ACC Title Game moment .. maybe ever.
β Marilyn Payne (@marilyn_payne) December 8, 2024
Dabo Swinney when it is time to knock Alabama out of the College Football Playoff pic.twitter.com/UqyqgDOf9L
β Dark Knight π π¦ (@DarkKnight_CFB) December 8, 2024
Cade Klubnik was named the game's MVP after throwing for 260 yards and 4 touchdowns. So naturally, fans were also talking about his performance.
Cade Klubnik found his best WR in the most critical time. Antonio Williams.
β Morgan Thomas (@TheMorganTShow) December 8, 2024
WOW.
βNobody can close a door God opened for youβ
β Aullie CFB Report (@BYUFanA) December 8, 2024
- Clemson QB Cade Klubnik
Respect sir!
Cade Klubnik has probably been the most improved Quarterback in College Football this season.
β College Football Report (@CFBRep) December 8, 2024
Unreal development from Clemsonβs staff.
Cade Klubnik: 2 TIME ACC championship game MVP. Put some respect on my QB! pic.twitter.com/fVynUEmgzp
β PEANUT (@PEAtotheNUT) December 8, 2024
Truly, it was an unforgettable night for the Clemson football program and fans all over the country will be celebrating this win for quite some time. Now, the Tigers hope to continue to defy the odds and win the National Championship. But regardless of how long their playoff run is, we can be certain that Clemson fans will have a lot to say about it.