Keys to Victory: Clemson vs. SMU

The Match-Up:

Clemson (3-3, 2-2 ACC) vs. SMU (4-2, 2-0 ACC)

The Tigers return to Death Valley for a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship classic against SMU — a 34–31 walk-off win that sent Clemson back to the College Football Playoff. It’s been a sentimental October for Dabo Swinney, and Saturday adds another chapter: the game falls on the 17th anniversary of his first contest as head coach (Oct. 18, 2008).

• Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 18, 3:30 p.m.
• TV: ACC Network (Wes Durham, Steve Addazio, Dana Boyle)
• Radio: Clemson Athletic Network (Don Munson, Tim Bourret, Reggie Merriweather)
• Venue: Memorial Stadium (Clemson, S.C.)

Storylines:

Clemson handled business last week, cruising past Boston College 41–10, and now faces one of the ACC’s most dynamic offenses in SMU. The Mustangs erased a 17-point halftime deficit in last year’s title game before Nolan Hauser’s 56-yard field goal sealed it for the Tigers. This time, the question isn’t whether Clemson can score — it’s who will be under center.

Cade Klubnik is battling a lingering ankle injury from the win in Chestnut Hill, leaving open the possibility that Christopher Vizzina could make his first career start. If so, the Tigers will need every bit of help from their offensive line, defense, and crowd to protect their home turf and avoid a fifth straight home loss to a Power Four opponent.

Fun Fact:

This will be Clemson’s sixth regular-season rematch of a prior year’s ACC Championship opponent. The Tigers are 4–1 in those previous instances, with the lone loss coming to Georgia Tech in 2010.

Series History:

• OVERALL: Clemson leads series, 1-0
• LAST MEETING: Dec. 7, 2024 (34–31, W in ACC Championship)
• STREAK: Clemson, Won 1

With a win, Clemson would start 2–0 all-time against SMU and mark the 30th time in school history the Tigers have opened a series with back-to-back victories.

Swanny’s Rant & Reality Check:

“It’s hard not to think about how thin the margin for error is this week. If Cade Klubnik plays, even injured, I like Clemson’s chances. If he doesn’t — and it’s Christopher Vizzina’s show — things get trickier. I’ll be honest, I’d love to hedge my bet and call a loss if the Tigers have to go with Vizzina from wire-to-wire, but I’m sticking with the Tigers. The talent around him is good enough to find a way. The key will be protecting the quarterback, making plays defensively to keep the momentum on their side.”

Keys to Victory:

1. Attack Downfield: SMU’s pass defense ranks among the worst in the nation, so there’s an opportunity here — even if Vizzina is the guy. Clemson’s wideouts and tight ends have to win matchups and exploit space. If the offensive line can give time, chunk plays will come, and so will confidence.

2. Force Turnovers: Clemson’s defense has improved, but this will be its biggest test since LSU. Kevin Jennings has been mistake-prone when pressured — just ask Tom Allen’s Penn State defense from last year’s playoff. With Allen now on the Tiger sideline, Clemosn needs to make that pressure count, flip the field, and create short scoring drives for the offense.

3. Reignite Death Valley: For nearly a decade, Clemson went 59–1 at home. Lately, the edge has dulled. Saturday is a chance to bring it back. The fans must treat this like 2014–2021 again — where the Tigers lost just one game at home: loud, relentless, and personal. The team needs that environment now more than ever. 

Prediction:

With uncertainty at quarterback, the Tigers will need a total team effort. Expect a game that mirrors last year’s ACC title clash — tense, physical, and close until the end. The defense makes just enough plays, and Death Valley does its part.

The Pick: Clemson 27, SMU 24

Season Record: 3-3

Swanny’s Predictions:

✅ = Correct Prediction