Oct 19, 2025, Posted by: Ryker Farnsworth
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the SMU Mustangs pulled off a stunning upset over the Clemson Tigers, 35‑24, in a Week 8 ACC football matchup at Memorial Stadium — familiarly known as “Death Valley” — in Clemson, South Carolina.
Game Overview and Key Stats
The scoreboard flashed 35‑24 after a back‑and‑forth battle that saw 73 points scored, 12 third‑down conversions, and a total of 657 offensive yards combined. The ACC Digital Network logged the Mustangs moving the ball 420 yards, while the Tigers amassed 237 yards. Both teams exchanged lead changes, but SMU’s early strike kept them ahead for most of the second half.
SMU's Road Victory: How the Mustangs Did It
Kevin Jennings, the SMU starting quarterback, played through a nagging lower‑leg injury. He finished the night with 310 total yards on 23‑of‑43 passing, two touchdowns and, according to ESPN, a costly interception that didn’t affect the outcome. His poise under pressure was evident when he led a 70‑yard drive that ended with a spectacular catch by Jordan Hudson, who recorded seven receptions for 131 yards, including the 70‑yard score that opened the game.
The Mustangs also benefitted from a deep threat in wide receiver Matthew Hitner. Hitner snagged a one‑handed, over‑the‑shoulder touchdown that drew cheers from the visiting fans and highlighted SMU’s willingness to take the big shot. On the ground, running back Derrick "Duke" Moreno contributed 78 rushing yards and a short TD, keeping the clock moving and the Clemson defense honest.
SMU’s defensive unit, led by senior linebacker Sammy Brown, forced Clemson into three three‑and‑out series in the fourth quarter. Brown’s aggressive pursuit angles, highlighted repeatedly in the ACC highlights, helped seal the victory after a crucial stop on a Clemson fourth‑and‑2 at the SMU 32‑yard line.
Clemson's Struggles and Turnover
With star quarterback Cade Klubnik sidelined by injury, backup Christopher Vizzina stepped in. He posted a respectable 317 passing yards on 29‑of‑42 attempts and three touchdowns, but a missed two‑point conversion early in the third quarter proved costly. Vizzina’s poise earned praise, yet the offensive line’s inability to protect him on critical drives led to the interception that ESPN noted.
Wide receiver T.J. Moore was the Tigers’ bright spot, pulling down five catches for 124 yards and two scores. Running back CJ Johnson added a rushing touchdown, his third of the year, but the ground game stalled after a two‑yard gain on third down in the fourth quarter.
The Tigers also missed a field goal attempt in the second quarter, a 42‑yard try that would have narrowed the gap to just five points. The missed chance, coupled with the earlier failed two‑point try, left Clemson playing catch‑up for the remainder of the contest.
Reactions from Coaches and Fans
SMU head coach Mike McCarthy praised his team's resilience: “Playing in Death Valley and staying focused while a lot of noise surrounds you isn’t easy. Kevin’s toughness and the guys’ belief made this possible.” Post‑game, Clemson’s interim head coach, John Hevesy, acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic: “We’ll learn from this, fix the mistakes, and get ready for Duke next week.”
Fans at Memorial Stadium were a mixed bag. While the home crowd roared for every Clemson score, a sizable contingent of Mustangs supporters — many traveling from Dallas — kept the energy high, waving orange banners and chanting “Go Mustangs!” throughout the night.
What This Means for the ACC Race
With the loss, the Clemson Tigers fell to 3‑4 overall and 2‑3 in ACC play, slipping to fifth place in the Atlantic Division. SMU, meanwhile, improved to 4‑3 overall and 3‑2 in the conference, solidifying a second‑place tie with Louisville. The ACC’s East‑West split now looks tighter than ever, and the Mustangs’ victory marks their first road win in conference play since joining the ACC in 2025.
Analysts note that Clemson’s mid‑season stumble could jeopardize their chances for a New Year’s Six bowl invitation, especially if they falter against upcoming rivals Duke and Florida State. SMU, on the other hand, may ride this momentum into a potential ACC Championship berth for the first time in program history.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Schedule
- Nov. 1, 2025 – Clemson at Duke: A rivalry game that could either spark a rebound or deepen the slump.
- Nov. 8, 2025 – Clemson vs. Florida State
- Nov. 15, 2025 – SMU at Louisville
- Nov. 22, 2025 – SMU vs. North Carolina
Both teams have a chance to reshape their narratives in the final stretch of the regular season. For Clemson, the pressure is on to halt the skid; for SMU, the focus is on maintaining consistency and proving they belong among the ACC elite.
Key Facts
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Location: Memorial Stadium (Death Valley), Clemson, SC
- Final Score: SMU Mustangs 35, Clemson Tigers 24
- SMU QB Kevin Jennings: 310 yards, 2 TDs (injured)
- Clemson QB Christopher Vizzina: 317 yards, 3 TDs
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect Clemson's bowl prospects?
The defeat drops Clemson to 3‑4 overall and 2‑3 in ACC play, putting them near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. To stay in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl, the Tigers must win their remaining games, especially the upcoming matchups against Duke and Florida State, which are crucial for improving their conference standing.
What was the most pivotal play for SMU?
Jordan Hudson’s 70‑yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter swung momentum in SMU’s favor. The explosive play not only put the Mustangs ahead but also forced Clemson to play from behind for the rest of the game, altering their play‑calling strategy.
Why did SMU attempt a two‑point conversion, and what happened?
SMU chose the two‑point try to establish a ten‑point lead after their second touchdown, aiming to pressure Clemson’s offense. Quarterback Kevin Jennings’ pass was deflected by a defender, leaving the conversion incomplete and ultimately narrowing the margin.
Who stood out on defense for Clemson despite the loss?
Linebacker Sammy Brown continued his season of high‑impact plays, recording multiple tackles for loss and pressuring SMU’s quarterback on the final drive. His effort kept Clemson in the game late, even though the team ultimately fell short.
What does SMU's win mean for their inaugural ACC season?
The victory marks SMU’s first road win in ACC play and lifts them to a 3‑2 conference record. It signals that the Mustangs can compete with established programs and positions them as a dark‑horse contender for the ACC Championship, a remarkable achievement for a team in its debut ACC season.
Author
Ryker Farnsworth
I'm Ryker Farnsworth, a technology enthusiast with a strong passion for exploring the latest innovations in the industry. I've devoted my career to understanding the intricate workings of various technological advancements. With my extensive knowledge and experience, I love writing about the latest trends and discoveries, sharing my insights with others who share the same passion. Through my work, I aim to inspire and educate, helping people better understand and appreciate the world of technology.