Clemson Tigers Claim Ninth ACC Football Crown in Epic Walk-Off Thriller

CLEMSON, S.C. — The Clemson Tigers delivered a championship performance for the ages on Dec. 7, 2024, defeating No. 8 SMU 34-31 in the ACC Football Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Trailing late, Clemson orchestrated a game-winning drive capped by a walk-off field goal, marking the first such finish in ACC Championship history. The Tigers' 21 first-quarter points tied for the second-most in any quarter of an ACC title game, setting the tone in frigid conditions—the coldest game-time temperature since 2015.[3] This triumph secured Clemson's ninth ACC Championship Game victory and 22nd conference title overall, both program records. It was their eighth crown in the past 10 seasons, underscoring the sustained excellence under coach Dabo Swinney in the heart of South Carolina's Upstate region. The narrow, single-digit margin echoed Clemson's 2016 win over Virginia Tech (42-35), the last such close contest.[3][5] Both teams showcased ground-and-pound football, with Clemson controlling the clock and defense in the pivotal moments. The victory boosts Clemson's resume for the expanded College Football Playoff, positioning the Tigers—long South Carolina's gridiron pride—from Death Valley in Clemson to national contention once more.[3][4]