No. 17 Clemson scored against No. 8 SMU in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday, forcing a fumble on the Mustangs’ first drive and quickly turning it into points.

The Tigers took a 7-0 lead and immediately forced the Mustangs to punt. This then led to a 5-yard touchdown reception by Clemson’s Jake Briningstool, giving the Tigers a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter.

It’s all about Clemson right now!!! 🐯 @ClemsonFB

The Tigers are up 14-0 pic.twitter.com/b8LPa3zikG

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 8, 2024

However, SMU quickly recovered and scored a sixth on a 24-yard touchdown run by Kevin Jennings with six minutes left in the first quarter.

But that didn’t bother the Tigers, as they scored on a 43-yard touchdown reception from Bryant Wesco Jr. – his second of the game – to once again bring the Tigers within 14 points.

This game could have a big impact on Arizona State, which beat Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 championship on Saturday and could earn a first-round bye with a Clemson win.

From Saturday there will be a bye for the first round at SMU. With a loss to Clemson, the Mustangs could be eliminated from the CFP entirely.

The 12-team bracket will be announced Sunday at 10 a.m. on ESPN. Follow the broadcast on the Arizona Sports app and online.