It seemed Miami had the game in the bag during its visit to SMU in Dallas. However, a late field goal tied the game at 20 apiece and forced overtime, where the Hurricanes crumbled. Beck threw an interception in overtime, leaving the game on a silver platter for the Mustangs to win with a walk-off touchdown. That they did, and Miami now finds itself in a pit of uncertainty in the 2025 NCAA season.

Beck is on the spotlight. The Georgia transfer joined Miami with sky-high expectations fixed upon himself. Since arriving in Vice City, Beck has had a mixed bag of superb and subpar outings with the Hurricanes. Against SMU, Beck took too many risks, and it came back to bite the Canes. After the game, the quarterback sent a sincere message to his teammates.

“It’s really tough to lose like that,” Beck admitted per Miami Herald. “Just stay together. We can’t separate. We have to do what we’ve said that we are the entire year. That’s having a connection, that’s playing as a team and that’s staying in unity regardless of what happened. That’s all we can do.”

Aftermath math

After yet another loss within the ACC, Miami is now 6-2 in the NCAA but 2-2 against league opponents. As it stands, there are six programs above the Hurricanes in the ACC standings. Needless to say, the odds of making the Championship Game are looking slim and none for Miami.

Virginia (8-1, 5-0 conference) remains the lone undefeated team within the ACC. Right on its trail, are schools like Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh (both 5-1 ACC). Meanwhile, Louisville, Duke, and SMU are the last teams with one loss within league play in the 2025 college football season.

Miami can still aspire to a 6-2 record in the conference schedule, but it would need help from other teams to make the ACC Championship Game. The decisive matchup will be played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Down go the Canes

As Miami played its first game outside of Florida this year, the Hurricanes disappointed fans across the country with their loss to the Mustangs. As a result, the margin for error is now even smaller for Beck and company. The AP Top 25 poll came out after Week 10, and Miami stumbled from the 10th spot to 18th. Needless to say, another loss within the conference would take the school in Coral Gables out of the Top 25 altogether.

Swinney admitted he understands the anger surrounding the program’s recent struggles. “I’m disappointed, too,” he said. “There’s no quit in me, and I’m confident something good will come out of this.” It was a message of both realism and resilience from a coach who’s long prided himself on building a program with staying power.

He also gave credit to SMU and head coach Rhett Lashlee for how they performed inside Memorial Stadium. “Congratulations to Rhett and SMU. I thought they outplayed us,” Swinney said. “The one positive is I thought our guys competed our b—- off, and I appreciate that.” For a team that’s seen multiple home losses pile up, that competitiveness remains one of the few positives.

When asked what changes might be needed, Swinney kept his focus simple. “We’ve just gotta get back to work,” he said. “All we can do is watch the film, evaluate, and see what personnel changes need to be made going forward.” His words reflected a coach determined to correct mistakes through effort rather than excuses.

Swinney looks ahead as Clemson prepares for Duke

Swinney was particularly candid when discussing the defense, which couldn’t produce a crucial stop late in the game. “At the end of the day, we had four timeouts and it’s a five-point game,” he said. “We just couldn’t get the ball back.” It was a moment that summed up Clemson’s current frustrations—close, but not quite enough.

Addressing the reality of losing five straight home games to power conference opponents dating back to last year, Swinney didn’t sugarcoat it. “Jarring. Yeah, jarring. But it is what it is,” he said. “There’s nothing to do but move on and try to win the next one—you can’t change those results.”

Now, with Duke coming to town next week, the Tigers are at a crossroads. Swinney’s confidence hasn’t wavered despite the setbacks. His message to Clemson Nation was clear: there’s work to do, and there’s still belief that better days lie ahead.

The Mustangs trailed 28-0 at the half, and despite what Lashlee could have told his players to rally a comeback at Beaver Stadium, the deficit was ultimately too big to revert.

The offensive performance from the Mustangs was embarrassing. Quarterback Kevin Jennings struggled tremendously against Penn State’s defense, as he threw three interceptions (all during the first half) and two were returned for defensive touchdowns.

SMU knew they’d be walking into a hostile environment in the home of the Nittany Lions, but they couldn’t get their footing on the ground. However, head coach Rhett Lashlee doesn’t believe his team’s shortcomings were caused by one of the rowdiest home crowds in college football.

“We got what we expected,” Lashlee said, via On3. “I don’t think we burned time-outs because of the crowd per se, but I thought 95% of the game we handled the crowd great. First half we didn’t have any issues. It was that third quarter we got down on the endzone where the student section was…The crowd was definitely a factor there, and, you know, it showed.“

Drew Allar makes bold statement on critics

In the 38-24 triumph over SMU, Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar had a quiet outing—neither spectacular nor disappointing. Allar finished the game with 13 completions out of 22 pass attempts, for 127 passing yards with no touchdowns. While many believe Allar was bailed by the dominant defensive performance, Penn State’s QB has made it clear he isn’t listening to the outside noise.

“I don’t care what anybody says about me or my team or my coach,” Allar said after the game, as quoted by Tyler Donohue on X. “At the end of the day, our process is our process. The only opinions that matter are the ones in the Lasch building. Me personally, I don’t care what anybody says about me from the outside.“

Beau Pribula transfers to Missouri

Although Beau Pribula stated his intent to stay with the Nittany Lions during their CFP journey, due to the transfer portal’s restrictions, time was ticking for the backup quarterback in Penn State. Thus, he had to make the difficult decision of moving on from the program, in hopes of landing somewhere he could become the QB1.

After days of careful consideration, Pribula has reached a decision and will tranfer to the Missouri Tigers. With the announcement, Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz added a promising quarterback to his program for the 2025 season in the SEC.

As for Penn State, their focus shifts towards their upcoming quarterfinal matchup. On December 31, the Nittany Lions will take on the Boise State Broncos at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.

“I don’t care what anybody says about me or my team or my coach,” Allar said after the game, as quoted by Tyler Donohue on X (formerly Twitter). “At the end of the day, our process is our process. The only opinions that matter are the ones in the Lasch building.”

He also added: “Me personally, I don’t care what anybody says about me from the outside. … I saw a quote, like, ‘Why would you take criticism from someone that you would never take advice from?’ And that kind of sticks for me.”

Additionally, Allar addressed the criticism he received, even extending to head coach James Franklin: “Coach Franklin gets a lot of criticism that’s undeserved,” Allar said. “Winning his 100th game is special, and to have it on a stage like the playoffs, at home in Beaver Stadium, is truly special.”

After the commanding 38-10 victory over the SMU Mustangs, Franklin’s team earned the right to compete in the CFP’s next round, where they will face the Boise State Broncos, led by Ashton Jeanty, next Saturday December 31rd in Glendale, Arizona.

James Franklin shared his reflection on the victory over SMU

Without a doubt, the resounding victory of the Nittany Lions over the Mustangs is even more impressive when considering the level at which Franklin’s team approached the game. Once the victory was secured, the coach spoke with the press and shared his thoughts on the match.

“I want them to experience what it’s like to win a Big 10 championship and play in that type of game. In that stadium, in that environment,” Franklin said. “Obviously, you know, talk about battling in the country to try and either get a BYE in week one or get a home game. We were able to do that. To watch Saul leaving the field today, he was taking a moment in his last game at Beaver Stadium. He’s played here for nine, ten, eleven years, however long he’s been here,” the HC stated per The Daily Collegian’s Lyle Alenstein.

Additionally, the coach commented on Sal Wormley’s exit from the field: “He didn’t want to leave the field. Not an emotional guy. He’s emotional. It’s emotional for all of us. A lot of college coaches I saw this week talking about this is a four-game season; it’s not. It’s a one-game season with an average of 65 plays on offense, 65 plays on defense, and 20 plays on special teams. And how you value those reps how you value those reps, and how you prepare for those reps. We give you an opportunity to play again. We’re a one-game season, and we just extended our season one more game, 65 more plays,” Franklin concluded.

The defense was the key to the game

Franklin praised his team’s defensive performance, highlighting how they dominated and controlled the tempo, preventing the SMU Mustangs from gaining any momentum.

In statements to 247 Sports’ Tyler Donohue, the head coach, with a brief and concise phrase, reflected what the work of his defense meant in this game: “Maybe the best performance on the defensive side of the ball that I’ve seen in a half,” Franklin said.

[Watch SMU vs Penn State online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

The College Football Playoff first round showcases an exciting clash as the No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2) welcome the No. 12 SMU Mustangs (11-2) to Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State enter the matchup as 8.5-point favorites, with the total points projection set at 53.5, promising a competitive contest between these two programs.

Penn State are looking to rebound after a tough 45-37 loss to the Oregon Ducks in their last outing, a game that highlighted their offensive firepower but exposed defensive vulnerabilities. On the other side, SMU narrowly fell 34-31 to the Clemson Tigers, a result that tested their resilience and sets up a compelling battle in this playoff showdown.

When will the SMU vs Penn State match be played?

SMU face Penn State this Saturday, December 21st, in the highly anticipated College Football Playoffs First Round. The game will kick off at 12:00 PM (ET).

SMU vs Penn State: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:00 PM

CT: 11:00 AM

MT: 10:00 AM

PT: 9:00 AM

How to watch SMU vs Penn State in the USA

Catch the 2024 college football clash between SMU and Penn State live on Fubo (free trial). Alternatively, you can tune in to TNT.

Lashlee emphasized that SMU’s performance throughout the season, including their perfect 8-0 record in conference play, warrants a spot in the playoffs. “It’d be criminal if we’re not in,” Lashlee said. “It would be wrong on so many levels—not just for our team but for what college football stands for. We basically just played a playoff game out there and competed at a high level.”

SMU’s resume speaks for itself: an 11-2 overall record, including two wins against ranked opponents (No. 22 Louisville and No. 18 Pittsburgh), and a dominant conference campaign in the ACC. Their only losses came against Clemson in the championship game and a non-conference defeat to BYU early in the season. Lashlee believes these achievements align with the principles laid out by the CFP Committee.

“What we’ve been told is that an undefeated Power Five champion would make it. We went 8-0 in one of the top three conferences in the country,” Lashlee continued. “We could have not shown up tonight and still been in according to the rankings. But we did show up. We competed. If they leave us out, it would set a bad precedent and break all the principles we’ve been told to follow.”

Lashlee Praises His Team’s Resolve

Despite the loss, Lashlee expressed immense pride in his team’s resilience, particularly after overcoming a disastrous first quarter that left them trailing 21-7. “Our guys showed championship makeup,” Lashlee said. “They battled back, tied the game with 16 seconds left, and showed everyone why they deserve to be in the playoffs.”

Faith in the CFP System Shaken

Lashlee also revealed that his players are grappling with doubts about the fairness of the CFP selection process. “Their faith in the system is shaken right now,” he admitted. “They’re wondering if the right thing will be done or if the fix is in. It’s tough because they’ve done everything they were supposed to do.”

In his first remarks after the victory, Swinney praised SMU, calling them a playoff-caliber team and stating, “Listen, that’s a playoff football team [SMU], they better be in the playoffs.” It’s now up to the CFP Committee to decide their fate.

The Tigers were dominant in the first half, heading into the break with a 24-7 lead. However, the Mustangs mounted a spectacular comeback, scoring 24 points across the third and fourth quarters. Clemson’s offense managed just 10 points in the second half. Reflecting on the game, Swinney said, “What a comeback by those guys.”

Despite the close finish, Swinney expressed pride in his team and showed gratitude following Nolan Hauser’s game-winning field goal. The head coach said, “I’m proud of our guys. We fought all night to get back here and secure a 10th win—eight ACC titles in ten years—and we’re headed to the playoffs for the seventh time. I’m just proud of the heart of our guys.”

When will the 2024 CFP selections be announced?

The final rankings will be revealed on December 8. SMU was ranked No. 8 in the Week 13 standings, so despite the loss to Clemson, the Mustangs still have a strong chance of making the playoffs.

How many CFP National Championships has Clemson won under Dabo Swinney?

Since Swinney took over as head coach, Clemson has won two CFP National Championships. The first came in 2016 with a 35-31 victory over Alabama, and the second was a dominant 44-16 win over Alabama in 2018.

[Watch Clemson vs SMU online in the US on Fubo]

The Clemson Tigers head into the ACC Championship Game as slight underdogs at +2.5, ready to battle the SMU Mustangs at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Oddsmakers have set the total points at 55.5, anticipating a tightly contested showdown.

SMU enter the game riding high after a commanding 38-6 win over Cal, while Clemson looks to bounce back following a narrow 17-14 loss to South Carolina. With the conference title on the line, this primetime clash promises plenty of drama and excitement.

When will the Clemson vs SMU match be played?

Clemson will face SMU this Saturday, December 7th, in a highly anticipated Conference championship matchup of the 2024 college football season. The game will kick off at 8:00 PM (ET).

Clemson vs SMU: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:00 PM

CT: 7:00 PM

MT: 6:00 PM

PT: 5:00 PM

How to watch Clemson vs SMU in the USA

Catch the 2024 college football clash between Clemson and SMU live on Fubo. Alternatively, you can tune in to ACB.

The Cougars won every game in November against Boise State, Utah Tech and Stanford, it was a perfect month for them compared to October where the Cougars lost every game in a painful four week losing streak. The Cougars have a record of 7-5 overall.

The Mustangs couldn’t do anything to fight for the conference championship this year, at least they finished the regular season with a good record of 7-5 overall and 5-3 (ACC).

BYU vs SMU: Kick-Off Time

BYU and SMU play for the 2022 New Mexico Bowl on Saturday, December 17 at University Stadium in Albuquerque.

Australia: 10:30 AM (AEDT) December 18
Canada: 7:30 PM (EST)
China: 8:30 AM (GMT) December 18
Germany: 1:30 AM (CET) December 18
Ireland: 12:30 AM (GMT) December 18
Mexico: 6:30 PM (CST)
US: 7:30 PM (ET)
UK: 12:30 AM (GMT) December 18

BYU vs SMU: TV Channel and Live Streaming

The College Football season is available on Television, Radio and Live Streaming on the Internet, this New Mexico Bowl matchup and other games will be broadcast in the United States by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is ABC. Don’t forget to download the app to watch the game on your smartphone.

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

BYU vs SMU: Predictions And Odds

BYU Cougars are underdogs with +3.5 ATS and 2.45 moneyline that will pay $245 bucks for a $100 bet on BetMGM, they are on a hot streak. SMU Mustangs are favorites with -3.5 spread and 1.57 moneyline. The totals are offered at 64.5 points. The best pick for this College Bowl game is: BYU Cougars +3.5.

If you are in New York, Las Vegas, Arizona, New Jersey or any other state where legalize sports betting is permitted, BetMGM offers new customers a risk-free bet, up to $1000! Click right here! Try your luck and win big!

* Odds via BetMGM

BYU made an amazing final run to clinch bowl elegibility with a 7-5 record. The Cougars were on the verge of failure after four consecutive losses mid-season. Then, BYU came back beating Boise State, Utah Tech and Stanford. BYUhave lost two of their last three bowl appearances, but they lead 3-0 the all-time series with SMU. QB Jaren Hall is questionable with an ankle injury and that could be huge for the outcome of this matchup. The Brigham Young Cougars record in bowl games is 16-22-1.

In the final game of the regular season, SMU won a 34-31 thriller against Memphis to post a 7-5 record. Even though the Mustangs had crushing defeats against then ranked-teams like Cincinnati or Tulane, they managed to accumulate five victoriesin their last seven games. SMU averaged 38 points on offense and that’s why many experts predict this will be a high-scoring battle. WRRashee Rice, a starduring the season and a big NFL prospect, is out (toe injury). The Mustangs are 1.5-point underdogs and have a7-9-1 mark in bowl games.

BYU vs SMU:Date

The Brigham Young Cougarswill play against the SMU Mustangs in the2022 New Mexico Bowlas partof theNCAA College Football SeasononSaturday, December 17 at 7:30PM (ET). The 17th edition of the game will be played at UniversityStadiumin Albuquerque, New Mexico.

BYU vs SMU: Time by State in the US

ET: 7:30PM
CT: 6:30PM
MT: 5:30PM
PT: 4:30PM

How to watch BYUvs SMUin the US

BYU and SMU go for the2022 New MexicoBowlas part oftheNCAA College Football Season. The game will be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US.If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you canclick here.Another optionif you don’t want to miss this long awaited matchup in the United States is ABC.

SMU arrive to this bout with an improved level of confidence after snapping a three-loss streak against Navy last Friday. That 40-34 exciting win had quarterback Tanner Mordecai shining bright to carry his team to a very important home victory. The signal-caller finished with 20 of 27 in pass completions for 336 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions. But that was not it, since he also got 74 yards on the ground thanks largely to a 60-yard touchdown run. Mordecai will need to bring his A-game yet again to take down the Bearcats.

Cincinnati will have the opportunity to break some records coming off their bye week. They are one win away from tying the mark for most consecutive overall victories against AAC opponents at 19. The other huge milestone that could take place is Luke Fickell breaking the tie he has at 53 with Rick Minter as the winningest head coach in UC’s history. As for the current state of the team, the 5-1 Bearcats get in perfect shape after five wins in a row.

SMU vs Cincinnati: Date

The SMU Mustangs will host the Cincinnati Bearcats in Week 8 of the 2022 NCAA College Football Seasontoday, October 22 at 12:00 PM (ET). The game will be played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

SMU vs Cincinnati: Time by State in the US

ET: 12 PM
CT: 11 AM
MT: 10 AM
PT: 9 AM

How to watch SMU vs Cincinnati in the US

The game between the SMU Mustangs and the Cincinnati Bearcats in Week 8 of the 2022 NCAA College Football Season will be available to watch or live stream on FuboTV (Free Trial) in the US. ESPN appears as another option to not miss the action.