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SMU seeks unbeaten run through ACC in title game vs. Clemson

AP photo by LM Otero / SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings celebrates a touchdown during the Mustangs' home game against California last Saturday in Dallas.
AP photo by LM Otero / SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings celebrates a touchdown during the Mustangs' home game against California last Saturday in Dallas. AP photo by LM Otero / SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings celebrates a touchdown during the Mustangs' home game against California last Saturday in Dallas.

By STEVE REED / The Associated Press 5 min read

SMU had no problems handling the jump to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Now, after an 11-1 regular season that included an 8-0 mark in ACC play, the Mustangs will attempt to complete an unbeaten run through the conference in their inaugural season when they face perennial league power Clemson on Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Tigers (9-3, 7-1) will play in a record 10th ACC championship game in 16 seasons under coach Dabo Swinney.

The Mustangs moved to the ACC after capturing the American Athletic Conference championship in 2023. They have won 17 straight regular-season conference games dating to 2022.

“We wanted to be at this level. We wanted to play on this stage,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said of moving from the Group of Five ranks to a power conference. “We want to be playing in the championship game. … We have ultimate respect for Clemson, but this is a stage we want to be on.”