Week 8 of the college football season delivers a fascinating ACC showdown as SMU (4-2, 2-0 ACC) travels to face Clemson (3-3, 2-2 ACC) at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. This matchup is a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship Game, where Clemson edged SMU 34-31 on a last-second field goal. The Tigers enter this contest having steadied themselves with a 41-10 win over Boston College, while SMU is riding momentum after a convincing 34-10 victory over StanfordUSA TODAY Sportsbook Wire+1. With both teams still alive in the ACC title race, this game carries significant implications for conference positioning and potential New Year’s Six bowl contention.
How to Watch: Date, Time, Venue, TV
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Kickoff time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Memorial Stadium (“Death Valley”), Clemson, South Carolina
- TV: ACC Network
- Streaming options: ESPN+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (with ACCN access)
This game features two quarterbacks with contrasting styles but similar efficiency. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik has completed over 70% of his passes in recent weeks, showing improved decision-making while also contributing as a runner, as evidenced by his 280 passing yards and rushing touchdown against Boston College. SMU counters with Kevin Jennings, who has been steady in orchestrating the Mustangs’ balanced attack, averaging nearly 280 passing yards per game while keeping turnovers to a minimum.
Skill position play will be pivotal. Clemson’s Antonio Williams and Tyler Brown provide explosive options in the passing game, while running back Keith Adams Jr. has emerged as a reliable contributor. SMU leans on its deep receiving corps, with Jordan Hudson stretching defenses vertically and Jaylan Knighton offering versatility out of the backfield. Statistically, both offenses are nearly identical in yardage production, hovering around 405 yards per game, but Clemson’s defense has been far more consistent, ranking top 30 nationally in scoring defense, while SMU’s secondary has been vulnerable, allowing over 300 passing yards per game.
The defensive matchup tilts toward Clemson. Their front seven has been stout against the run, and their pass rush has pressured quarterbacks into mistakes. SMU’s defensive line has been solid against the run but has struggled to generate consistent pressure, which could allow Klubnik time to exploit mismatches downfield. Coaching tendencies also favor Clemson, as Dabo Swinney’s staff has leaned on aggressive first-half scripts and halftime adjustments, while SMU has occasionally struggled to sustain momentum in the second half.
With home-field advantage, a more reliable defense, and a quarterback finding his rhythm, Clemson is positioned to control the tempo and avenge early-season struggles. SMU’s offense should keep the game competitive, but the Tigers’ balance and defensive edge make them the likelier team to emerge with a crucial ACC victory in Death Valley.