SMU clinches ACC title berth in launching season

• Andrea Adelson, ESPN

  • Senior Citizen WriterNov 23, 2024, 03:56 PM ET Close ACC press reporter.
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
  • Graduate of the University of Florida.SMU clinched

a spot in the ACC national championship after a 33-7 win over Virginia on Saturday, becoming the first string in league history to make the title game in its very first season.The Mustangs do not have an opponent yet. Miami (10-1, 6-1 )must beat Syracuse next weekend to clinch its spot. A loss suggests Clemson, which has currently finished league play at 7-1, would make it to Charlotte.SMU entered the league off terrific success in the American Athletic Conference, winning the league a year back. However no group has actually done what the Mustangs have done in Year 1, making the transition from Group of 5 to Power 4. Editor’s Picks”It’s tough to win 10 games, it’s hard to do something that’s never been done previously,” coach Rhett Lashlee said.”No one’s ever moved from a small conference to a power conference and gone to the national championship in their first year. Just actually pleased with our guys.”SMU joined the ACC in its mission to go back to a power conference, and in doing so, consented to take no television revenue from the ACC

for 9 years. They were a team on an objective from the very start, eager to show they belonged on this level.SMU has actually been a different team because turning to Kevin Jennings as its beginning quarterback after 3 games. Jennings is 8-0 as a starter and has helped

SMU to a 7-0 ACC record– the only group that is undefeated in league play. Against Virginia, Jennings went 25-of-33 for 323 backyards with a goal and interception.Lashlee signed an agreement extension with the school Friday, reaffirming his dedication to being with the Mustangs for the long term. Despite its ACC dominance, SMU stays on the outdoors searching in, based on the most recent College Football Playoff choice committee rankings.If SMU wins the ACC, the Mustangs would be a lock to make it into the CFP. Another loss could suggest completion of their playoff hopes. SMU closes the regular season against California next Saturday.Lashlee grew psychological discussing how far his team has actually come this season. “I’m really happy with them. I had this believed Friday, I’m going to miss out on a great deal of these guys,”Lashlee stated before pausing to collect himself. “It’s an enjoyable group. They enjoy playing together.

They enjoy playing for each other. They like playing for SMU. They don’t care who gets the credit. I think that’s why they win. It’s unique. I’m simply a lucky guy who gets to be their coach.”