SMU Handles Clemson, Extends ACC Dominance With 35-24 Win in Death Valley

By Marc Henry – Mustang Wire

(October 18, 2025 – Clemson, S.C.)

The SMU Mustangs continued their remarkable run of conference dominance Saturday afternoon, taking down Clemson 35-24 at Memorial Stadium to improve to 5-2 overall and 3-0 in ACC play. The win marked SMU’s 20th consecutive conference victory,  the nation’s longest active streak  and their ninth straight road conference win.

After a slow start that included punts on their first two drives, SMU’s offense found its rhythm and scored on four of its next five possessions to build a 16-7 halftime lead. The Mustangs struck first in spectacular fashion as quarterback Kevin Jennings connected with Jordan Hudson on a 70-yard touchdown pass that electrified the crowd and gave SMU early momentum.

Jennings, who continues to build his case for multiple national awards, finished the day completing 23 of 43 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns. His performance included scoring strikes to Hudson and tight end Matthew Hibner, marking the 14th time in his last 18 games he has thrown multiple touchdown passes.

Hudson led all receivers with a career-best performance, hauling in seven catches for 131 yards and a touchdown, his first career 100-yard game. He became the second Mustang this season to eclipse the century mark in receiving yards, joining Romello Brinson.

The ground attack was equally effective, as SMU’s running backs delivered timely plays to maintain control. Freshman standout Derrick McFall, a Doak Walker Award watch list nominee, rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown, marking his third straight game with a score. Chris Johnson Jr. added 59 yards and a touchdown of his own, including a 6-yard run late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

SMU once again showcased its trademark offensive explosiveness, posting three plays of 30 yards or more, the 70-yard Hudson touchdown, a 35-yard rushing score by McFall, and a 30-yard burst from Johnson. The Mustangs have now logged 12 scoring drives under two minutes this season, including 10 touchdown drives.

Defensively, SMU dominated the trenches, holding Clemson to a mere 35 rushing yards on 30 carries. The Tigers managed zero net rushing yards in the second half, as the Mustang front seven controlled the line of scrimmage and forced Clemson into long third-down situations. SMU’s defense recorded eight tackles for loss and four sacks, led by Isaiah Smith with 2.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks.

The unit also forced a key turnover when Brandon Miyazono jarred the ball loose and Jakai Lang recovered it, giving SMU 15 takeaways on the season. The Mustangs entered the week ranked first in the ACC and second nationally in takeaways.

SMU’s defensive discipline shone once again on third down, limiting Clemson to just 8-of-19 conversions and 1-of-2 on fourth down. The Tigers managed only two third-down conversions in the first half as SMU’s secondary, led by Deuce Harmon and Isaiah Nwokobia, broke up multiple passes at critical moments.

With the win, SMU handed Clemson only its eighth home loss in the College Football Playoff era and just its 13th ACC loss since 2015. The victory further solidifies SMU’s position as one of the ACC’s most consistent and dangerous programs under head coach Rhett Lashlee, who improved to 34-14 overall and 24-3 in his last 27 regular-season games.

The Mustangs continue to thrive when finding the end zone early and often, now 30-3 under Lashlee when scoring 30 or more points. Saturday’s performance marked another balanced, disciplined effort from a team that continues to prove it belongs among the nation’s elite.

Next up, SMU travels to Winston-Salem to face Wake Forest on Saturday, October 25. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET (11 a.m. CT) on The CW, with radio coverage available on KTCK “The Ticket” 96.7 FM/1310 AM, the SMU Mobile App, and Sirius XM.

For more SMU football coverage, visit Mustang Wire at Ondamarcsports.com

© 2025 Marc Henry, Mustang Wire