Kevin Jennings throws 2 TD passes as SMU avenges ACC title game loss to Clemson, 35-24

By Canadian Press on October 18, 2025.

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Kevin Jennings threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, Chris Johnson Jr. put the game away with a late 6-yard scoring run and SMU defeated Clemson 35-24 on Saturday to avenge last year’s heartbreaking loss in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.

Jordan Hudson finished with seven catches for 131 yards and a touchdown for the Mustangs (5-2, 3-0 ACC), who’ve won three straight.

Clemson played without first-team Preseason All-American quarterback Cade Klubnik, who sat out with ankle injury. Christopher Vizzina made his first start for the Tigers (3-4, 2-3) and completed 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards with three touchdowns, including two to T.J. Moore.

Moore had five catches for 124 yards, including a one-hand snag on a 62-yard touchdown reception.

Clemson beat SMU 34-31 last December for the ACC title on a walk-off field goal, and this game provided similar drama.

SMU led 29-17 in the fourth quarter when Clemson’s Ricardo Jones intercepted Jennings near midfield with 10 minutes remaining.

Facing a fourth-and-21, Vizzina found a leaping Tristan Smith for a 23-yard touchdown strike between two defenders to cut the Mustangs’ lead to 29-24 with 6:44 left and pumping life into the home crowd.

But SMU drew a crucial pass interference penalty on a fourth-and-3 at the Clemson 39 to move the chains on the ensuing possession and Jennings followed with a 26-yard strike along the right sideline to Hudson on third-and-10. With Clemson needing stop to force a field goal and keep it a one-possession game, Johnson plowed into the end zone with 1:03 left to seal the victory.

SMU outgained Clemson 139-35 on the ground.

Clemson trailed 16-7 at the break and looked like it might get back in the game after Moore reached out and snagged a one-handed grab on a long ball from Vizzina and raced to the end zone.

But SMU answered with a pair of 75-yard scoring drives on its next two possessions to take a 29-17 lead as McFall took a pitchout and raced 35 yards around right end untouched to the end zone and tight end Matthew Hibner hauled in a one-handed grab on a crossing route for a walk-in 22-yard TD.

The Takeaway

SMU: Aside from his one interception, Jennings was on target for most the game and made several solid decisions in the pocket for SMU, which remained in the hunt to return to another ACC title game.

Clemson: It was tough sledding for most of the game on the ground for the Tigers, with Adam Randall limited to 29 yards rushing on 10 carries. Clemson had just 35 yards rushing on 30 carries.

Injuries

Clemson’s starting left guard Collin Sadler was carted off the field in the fourth quarter after having his leg put in an air cast.

Up Next

SMU: Saturday at Wake Forest.

Clemson: Hosts Duke on Nov. 1.

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Steve Reed, The Associated Press