Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers knew they needed to get off to a fast start in the ACC Championship against SMU, and they did it in a big way.
Clemson’s defense set the tone early, with star defenseman TJ Parker making a game-changing play on SMU’s opening drive. On 2nd-and-7 at their own 41-yard line, Parker broke through the line for a strip sack, giving the Tigers the ball in top position.
Clemson capitalized quickly, thanks to creative improvisation from quarterback Cade Klubnik. What looked like a designed run turned into a highlight moment when Klubnik spotted freshman Bryant Wesco downfield, who connected for an impressive 35-yard touchdown.
After another quick defensive stop, Clemson’s offense took advantage of another opportunity.
It was a four-drive, 28-yard drive for the Tigers that ended with another passing touchdown from Klubnik. It was a five-yard passing touchdown to Jake Briningstool, giving the Tigers a 14-0 lead.