Hauser’s Game-Winning Kick Lifts Clemson to ACC Championship

CHARLOTTE — Nolan Hauser made a 56-yard field goal as time expired Saturday as No. 17 Clemson stunned No. 8 SMU, 34-31, to win the ACC Championship and clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Hauser’s field goal is an ACC Championship Game record. It marked the first time in ACC Championship Game history, the winning team won on a walk-off play.

The kick was also the longest game-winning kick in Clemson history.

The freshman’s field goal came after the Mustangs tied the game with Kevin Jennings’s touchdown pass to Roderick Daniels with 16 seconds to play.

However, Adam Randall, who was playing for an injured Jay Haynes, returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards for Clemson, setting the Tigers up at their own 45.

Cade Klubnik, who threw four touchdown passes in the game to earn his second MVP Award in the championship game, hit Antonio Williams for a 17-yard gain to the SMU 38 with three second to play, setting up Hauser’s game-winning kick.

Klubnik finished the night 24 of 41 for 262 yards.

Jennings, who was magnificent in bring SMU back from 17 points down to start the fourth quarter to tie the game, completed 32 of 51 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw a second-quarter interception.

Clemson (10-3, 8-1 ACC) took advantage of a T.J. Parker strip sack on SMU’s first possession and went to work. On the Tigers’ second play of the game, Klubnik found Wesco for a 35-yard score and a 7-0 lead with 13:35 to play in the first quarter.

The Tigers extended their lead to 14-0 on their next second possession when on second-and-goal Klubnik hit tight end Jake Briningstool with a quick pass and the big tight end rumbled into the end zone for a 5-yard score.

After SMU (11-2, 8-1 ACC) scored its first TD, Clemson answered as Klubnik hit Wesco on a post. The receiver stumbled through a tackle and ran the remaining yards for a touchdown and a 21-7 lead.

Hauser connected on a 44-yard field goal with 5:22 to play in the second to give the Tigers a 24-7 lead at the break.

SMU stopped Clemson to start the third quarter and then raced down the field where Jennings capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Smith.

Clemson responded with a long drive of its own on the ensuing possession. On third-and-goal from the five, Klubnik recorded his fourth TD pass when he hit Briningstool in the end zone for a 31-14 lead with 23 seconds to play in the quarter.

However, Jennings quickly got the Ponies back in the end zone. On third-and-eight from the Clemson 20, he found Hibner in the right corner of the end zone to cut the Clemson to 31-21 at the 13:22 mark of the fourth.

The Mustangs later added a 46-yard field goal with 6:56 to play to make it a seven-point game.

Have a day young man

Freshman wide receiver Bryant Wesco had his best game of the season. The Texas native caught 8 passes for 143 yards and 2 TDs. He caught a 35-yard TD pass from Klubnik on the Tigers’ second play from scrimmage.

Wesco later caught a 43-yard TD pass from Klubnik which gave the Tigers a 21-7 lead with 3:28 to play in the first quarter.

Turnovers

Clemson Defensive end T.J. Parker sacked quarterback Kevin Jennings and ripped the football out of his hands on the Mustangs opening possession. The Tigers took over at the SMU 34 and scored two plays later on a Klubnik to Wesco TD.

In the second quarter, Clemson safety Khalil Barnes intercepted a Jennings’ pass. Clemson won the turnover battle 2-0.

Stat of the Game

SMU pass catchers came into the ACC Championship Game with just seven drops in 12 games. The Mustangs had five on Saturday. Three drops came in the first half and two in the fourth quarter.

Injuries

Clemson reserve running back Jay Haynes injured his knee on the opening kick of the second half. He did not return.

Starting running back Phil Mafah played the game banged up and it was noticeable in his performance.

Up Next

Clemson advances to the CFP where it will find out its next step on Sunday.