Clemson's Dabo Swinney says SMU 'higher be' in School Soccer Playoff after beating them in ACC title recreation

SMU came back in opposition to a 17-point deficit within the fourth quarter, however it wasn't sufficient.

Clemson made a 56-yard field goal as time expired to earn a 34-31 victory within the ACC title recreation, incomes an automated bid to the School Soccer Playoff.

The Tigers have been ranked seventeenth within the nation, so at the least one crew within the prime 12 will get the playoff kickoff.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

(L-R) Head coach Rhett Lashlee of the SMU Mustangs and head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers converse earlier than the 2024 ACC Soccer Championship at Financial institution of America Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Charlotte , in North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Photographs)

SMU, ranked eighth within the nation earlier than the title recreation, would possibly now be on the skin trying in.

The destiny of the Ponies is of their arms of the CFP committeebut when Dabo Swinney was there, his choice could be clear.

“They're a playoff crew. SMU, they higher get within the rattling playoffs,” he advised ESPN on the sector after the sport.

“There’s no means they’re not going to make these playoffs.”

Swinney and Rhett Lashlee shared a protracted embrace at midcourt after the game-winning basket went by way of the posts, and it's onerous to think about Swinney didn't share these emotions with SMU's head coach.

Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers speaks to his crew through the first half of the ACC championship recreation at Financial institution of America Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Photographs)

NICK SABAN GIVES A SURE OPINION ON FLAG PLANTING AFTER RIVALRY WEEK Scrums: “UP TO THE EARS IN ELEPHANT S—T”

SMU tied the sport with 16 seconds left after a 16-play drive, however Adam Randall returned the following kickoff 41 yards to their very own 45. Cade Klubnik then discovered Antonio Williams for 17 yards, and the Tigers known as a timeout, bringing out Nolan Hauser. , who pierced the 56 yards with numerous margin.

Clemson and Arizona State can be vying for the ultimate quarterfinal berth — the Solar Devils beat Iowa State within the Huge 12 Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Nolan Hauser #81 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring the profitable subject purpose after the 2024 ACC Soccer Championship at Financial institution of America Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Photographs)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

After all, the committee determined to maneuver to 12 groups as a way to have extra margin for error; given the controversy over Florida State's exclusion final 12 months, who would have thought it will nonetheless be troublesome?

All the subject can be introduced Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.

Comply with Fox Information Digital sports coverage onand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.