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SMU got here again from down 17 factors within the fourth quarter, however it wasn’t sufficient.
Clemson knocked a 56-yard subject aim as time expired to earn a 34-31 victory within the ACC title recreation, 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 Photos)
SMU, ranked eighth within the nation getting into the title recreation, now could 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 instructed ESPN on the sector after the sport.
“There is not any method they should not be in these playoffs.”
Swinney and Rhett Lashlee shared a protracted embrace at midfield upon the successful subject aim going via 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 throughout the first half of the ACC Championship recreation at Financial institution of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Photos)
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 referred to as a timeout, bringing out Nolan Hauser, who drilled the 56-yarder with loads to spare.
Clemson and Arizona State might be in rivalry for the ultimate bye into the quarterfinals – the Solar Devils walloped Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship on Saturday afternoon.
Nolan Hauser #81 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after kicking the sport successful subject aim after the 2024 ACC Soccer Championship at Financial institution of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Photos)
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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?
The whole subject might be introduced on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.
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