SMU Upsets Clemson at Death Valley: Mustangs Stun Tigers in ACC Showdown
Tigers Battling it out on the field Photo: Dez Barnes
Death Valley has never been kind to visitors, but the SMU Mustangs didn't just survive their trip to Clemson—they conquered it. In a game that tested every ounce of grit and determination, SMU walked away with a statement-making 35-24 victory over the defending ACC Champions, leaving the Tigers licking their wounds at 3-4 on the season.
With Clemson's starting quarterback Cade Klubnik sidelined, first-time starter Christopher Vizzina stepped into the spotlight under the brightest of circumstances. The pressure was palpable, and it showed early. Both teams stumbled out of the gates like fighters feeling each other out in the opening round, trading punts and testing defenses that came ready to play.
The first quarter was a masterclass in defensive football. SMU forced an early fumble recovery near midfield, gifting themselves prime field position. But the Mustangs couldn't capitalize, squandering the opportunity and handing the ball right back to Clemson. For a moment, it seemed like neither offense would find their rhythm.
Then, with just under four minutes left in the opening quarter, SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings decided enough was enough. He aired it out downfield and connected for a touchdown, giving the Mustangs the spark they desperately needed. The 7-0 lead sent a jolt through the SMU sideline and put Clemson on notice—this wasn't going to be easy.
Vizzina, showing the resilience of a young quarterback finding his footing, responded beautifully. Midway through the second quarter, he found TJ Moore in the end zone to tie the game at 7-7, then added the extra point to pull within three at 10-7. For a brief moment, it looked like the Tigers might weather the storm.
But SMU wasn't done. The Mustangs tacked on two field goals before halftime, building a 16-7 cushion and forcing Clemson into a hole heading into the locker room. Both offenses had struggled mightily to find consistency, with incomplete passes and stalled drives plaguing both sides. The energy was flat, the execution sloppy, and the crowd at Death Valley was growing restless.
The second half belonged to whoever wanted it more.
Clemson came out swinging in the third quarter. Vizzina, now fully settled into the game, unleashed a gorgeous 65-yard bomb to TJ Moore that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Suddenly, it was 23-14, and the Tigers had life. They added a field goal late in the quarter to cut the deficit to 23-17, but red zone struggles continued to haunt them. Vizzina had shown flashes of brilliance, but SMU's defense refused to break when it mattered most.
The fourth quarter was pure chaos.
SMU struck first with a 22-yard touchdown pass to number 88, extending their lead to 29-17. But a costly penalty negated the extra point, and the kicker shanked the attempt. That missed kick could have been the difference, and you could feel the tension building on the Mustangs' sideline.
Clemson smelled blood. After an injury timeout for offensive lineman number 50 Sabler, the Tigers marched down the field, aided by some questionable SMU penalties, and punched in a touchdown. With 6:44 left on the clock, it was suddenly 24-29, and Death Valley was alive again.
SMU got the ball back with under five minutes to play, and the pressure was immense. They needed to drain the clock and put this game away, but their run game had been inconsistent all day, and Clemson's defense was swarming. On a critical fourth-and-seven with under four minutes remaining, disaster seemed imminent for the Mustangs.
Then, the play that sealed Clemson's fate: a pass interference call on the Tigers gave SMU a first down and prime field position. Moments later, the Mustangs punched in the dagger touchdown, extending their lead to 35-24 and silencing Death Valley for good.
When the final whistle blew, SMU had done the unthinkable. They improved to 5-2 overall and remained undefeated in ACC play, proving they belong among the conference elite. Meanwhile, Clemson fell to a stunning 3-4, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread and questions swirling about their ability to recover.
This wasn't just a win for SMU—it was a statement. The Mustangs showed they can win in hostile environments, grind out defensive battles, and close games when it matters most. For Clemson, the loss is devastating. Another home upset, another missed opportunity, and another step backward in what has become a season to forget.
The Tigers have work to do. The Mustangs? They're just getting started.
