SMU got here again from down 17 factors within the fourth quarter, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient.
Clemson knocked a 56-yard discipline purpose as time expired to earn a 34-31 victory within the ACC title sport, incomes an computerized bid into the School Soccer Playoff.
The Tigers had been ranked seventeenth within the nation, so at the very least one staff contained in the top-12 goes to get the boot from the playoff.
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(L-R) Head coach Rhett Lashlee of the SMU Mustangs and head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers converse earlier than the 2024 ACC Soccer Championship at Financial institution of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Pictures)
SMU, ranked eighth within the nation getting into the title sport, now may be on the surface wanting in.
The Ponies’ destiny is within the fingers of the CFP committee, but when Dabo Swinney had been on it, his determination could be clear.
“That is a playoff staff. SMU, they higher be in that dang playoff,” he advised ESPN on the sector after the sport.Â
“There isn’t any method they should not be in these playoffs.”
Swinney and Rhett Lashlee shared an extended embrace at midfield upon the successful discipline purpose going by the posts, and it is onerous to think about Swinney didn’t share these sentiments with the SMU head coach.
Head Coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers speaks to his staff through the first half of the ACC Championship sport at Financial institution of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Pictures)
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SMU tied the sport with 16 seconds left after a 16-play drive, however Adam Randall returned the following kickoff 41 yards to their very own 45. Cade Klubnik then discovered Antonio Williams for 17 yards, and the Tigers known as a timeout, bringing out Nolan Hauser, who drilled the 56-yarder with lots to spare.
Clemson and Arizona State shall be in rivalry for the ultimate bye into the quarterfinals – the Solar Devils walloped Iowa State within the Massive 12 championship on Saturday afternoon.
Nolan Hauser #81 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after kicking the sport successful discipline purpose after the 2024 ACC Soccer Championship at Financial institution of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Pictures)
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In fact, the committee determined to maneuver to 12 groups to ensure that there to be extra room for error; given the controversy of leaving out Florida State final yr, who would have thought this might nonetheless be tough?
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