Syracuse upsets Miami, sending Clemson to ACC Championship Game
Syracuse defeated Miami 42-38 on Saturday night, continuing the theme of chaos in college football’s top 10.
That result doesn’t mean much more Syracuse besides adding another big win to its résumé — the Orange had long ago clinched bowl eligibility and had been eliminated from ACC title game contention.
However, Miami suffering a second conference loss means Clemson will now head to the ACC Championship Game to take on SMU, who polished off a perfect 8-0 record in ACC play on Saturday with a blowout win over Cal.
Despite a loss to South Carolina earlier in the day, Clemson will now have a chance to earn an automatic berth into the College Football Playoff if it can beat SMU on Saturday in Charlotte.
We’re not done yet. pic.twitter.com/651A8kTECB
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 1, 2024
Miami’s College Football Playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy after picking up its second loss of the season. The Hurricanes will not have a chance to improve their résumé again before the the CFP selection committee reveals its final rankings on Dec. 8.
The Hurricanes held a 21-point lead against Syracuse, but their defense fell apart in the second half. The Orange out-scored Miami 42-17 over the final 41 minutes of this game. Quarterback Kyle McCord threw for 380 yards and 3 touchdowns in the victory.
Amazing! Last week the SEC shot itself in the foot and this week the ACC gets a surprise, recently defeated by my Gamecocks, new opponent for SMU! The Tigers should send a THANK YOU Card to the ORANGE!!
This leaves no doubt, da U is back, folks!
If Clemson beats SMU, another mark for South Carolina to get 11 or 12 for CFP
There’s no greater joy than backing into your conference championship game.
The consolation prize for losing the Palmetto Bowl is a trip to the ACC championship game…. What a terrible conference to play in…
I know. Could you imagine ever having a losing record to this conference? Oh wait. Never mind. At least the 8OT win for GT showed the world how to dominate this awful conference.
As much as the ACC tried to get Miami in the CFP by overturning calls in previous games, it still may not be enough. Miami not playing in the Conference game is helpful for them as they likely would pick up their 3rd loss.