All that SMU has done this season to build an 11-1 record and 8-0 record in the ACC has led up to its game this week. In their first season in the conference, the Mustangs will compete for an ACC championship against the team that has won the most ACC championships — the Clemson Tigers.

SMU has a better shot at being taken seriously by beating Clemson, with its brand-name credibility, than if Miami had qualified for the title game.

The 2024 ACC Championship Game will pit Clemson against SMU on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Charlotte. With both teams entering Week 14 inside the top 12 of the most recent CFP Rankings, the winner is almost assured one of the automatic bids to the College Football Playoff,