SMU set pretty clear and realistic goals for its first season in the ACC. The Mustangs anticipated that the jump from the American Athletic Conference to the Atlantic Coast Conference would come with growing pains.

The Clemson Tigers saw their road to an ACC title game get more difficult, as the SMU Mustangs were able to secure a berth in the game. Going into Week 13, the Tigers knew that they would be doing some scoreboard watching,

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) gets away from Boston College defensive end Neto Okpala (4) to complete a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game in University Park, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)