The clash between Clemson’s powerful rushing offense and SMU’s dominant run defense could be the deciding factor in this weekend’s ACC Championship Game.
Clemson is eyeing a spot in the College Football Playoff but must overcome No. 8 SMU—a well-rounded team that presents a formidable challenge. The Tigers’ game plan will likely focus on running the ball to impose their physicality, testing whether SMU can handle the pressure.
Clemson’s rushing attack is the best in the ACC, averaging 190.6 yards per game (28th nationally). Senior running back Phil Mafah leads the charge, averaging 89.8 yards per game and scoring eight touchdowns this season. As the fourth-leading rusher in the conference, Mafah will be pivotal, but he faces a stiff test against SMU’s top-ranked ACC run defense.
SMU allows only 95.8 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth nationally. Only one team, Boston College, has managed over 150 rushing yards against them this season. While some of SMU’s success might stem from forcing opponents into pass-heavy strategies by building early leads, their run defense has held firm in close games, like a one-point win over Duke and a seven-point victory over Louisville.
In the Louisville game, Cardinals running back Isaac Brown managed 117 yards on just 10 carries—the only 100-yard performance SMU has allowed all year. Under defensive coordinator Scott Symons, SMU’s run defense has transformed, allowing fewer than three yards per carry this season compared to 4.9 yards per carry two years ago.
Clemson, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, will look to exploit any openings. Quarterback Cade Klubnik could play a crucial role with his mobility. He’s the team’s second-leading rusher, accumulating 437 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Klubnik’s ability to extend plays and capitalize on designed runs could be a game-changer, as seen in his 50-yard QB draw to secure a late win against Pitt earlier this season.
Ultimately, Clemson’s ability to establish their ground game against SMU’s stout defense will be critical. If the Tigers can control the line of scrimmage and run effectively, they’ll put themselves in a strong position to secure the ACC title.
