DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
SMU defeated Clemson 35–24 in a double-digit victory. SMU covered by 14.5; Game went Over by 9.5. The market closed at Clemson -3.5 and the Blue Chip model made it SMU -0.5 - a gap of 4.0 points toward SMU, of which 3.3 points were beyond the model's measured factors. That was an information gap - the market pricing something the model does not carry - rather than a measured edge.
SMU defeated Clemson 35-24, avenging last year's ACC championship game loss. This win boosts team confidence and keeps them in contention for another ACC title game appearance.
Kevin Jennings threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, with Jordan Hudson catching 7 passes for 131 yards and a TD. The passing game was effective and reliable, especially on key third downs.
SMU outgained Clemson 139-35 on the ground, with Chris Johnson Jr. sealing the win with a late 6-yard touchdown run. The rushing attack controlled the clock and wore down the Clemson defense.
SMU converted crucial fourth downs and third downs, including a pass interference penalty on 4th-and-3 and a 26-yard strike to Hudson on 3rd-and-10. These plays extended drives and led to the game-sealing touchdown.
SMU travels to face Wake Forest next Saturday. With momentum from three straight wins and a strong offensive performance, they will look to continue their success on the road.
Starting QB Cade Klubnik sat out with an ankle injury; backup Christopher Vizzina made his first start, completing 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards and 3 touchdowns, including two to T.J. Moore. Vizzina showed improvement as the game progressed, but the team missed Klubnik's experience.
Clemson managed only 35 rushing yards on 30 carries, with Adam Randall leading at 29 yards. The lack of a ground game made the offense one-dimensional and contributed to the loss.
Despite forcing an interception and cutting the lead to 29-24, the defense allowed SMU to convert a fourth-and-3 with a pass interference penalty and later gave up a 26-yard pass on third-and-10, leading to the game-sealing touchdown.
Wide receiver Bryant Wesco was hospitalized with a serious head/neck injury, and starting left guard Collin Sadler was carted off with a leg injury (not broken). These absences could impact depth for the next game.
Clemson has a bye week before hosting Duke on Nov. 1. Coach Swinney hopes to have Klubnik back for that game, which will be crucial for the team's offensive stability and morale after a fifth straight loss to Power Conference teams.
At kickoff, conditions at Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC) were Partly cloudy, 69°F with winds of 5 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Partly cloudy
69°F
| Measure | SMUAway | ClemsonHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 812 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Home game | 1,646 miles |
| Season total | 1,603 miles | 2,324 miles |
| Body clock | 14:30 | 15:30 |
| Rest | 7 days | 7 days |
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