SMU Mustangs Defeat Clemson Tigers 35-24
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 3:30 PM ET · Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC)
SMU Mustangs 35, Clemson Tigers 24, final. Our NCAAF picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won SMU Mustangs vs Clemson Tigers?
SMU Mustangs beat Clemson Tigers 35-24 at Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC) on October 18, 2025.
In a thrilling encounter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, the SMU Mustangs triumphed over the Clemson Tigers with a final score of 35-24. This victory marks a significant achievement for SMU as they continue their strong season, improving their record to 6-2. The Mustangs have been impressive on the road, showcasing their ability to perform away from home with a 3-1 record in such games this season.
The game was characterized by a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Mustangs averaged 34.4 points per game leading up to this match, and they managed to maintain that scoring prowess against Clemson, who had been averaging 28.1 points per game. SMU's recent form has been commendable, with their last five games yielding an average of 32.4 points scored while allowing 24.2 points. Their two-game winning streak prior to this matchup included decisive victories against Stanford and Syracuse, both of which further solidified their confidence heading into this contest.
On the other hand, Clemson entered the game with a mixed bag of results, holding a 3-4 record overall. They had recently secured two consecutive wins against Boston College and North Carolina, both of which were significant in boosting their morale. However, their home performance had been less than stellar, with a home record of 2-3 this season. In their last five games, Clemson averaged 29.6 points scored while allowing 18.8 points, indicating a solid defensive effort despite their overall struggles.
The previous meeting between these two teams occurred on December 8, 2024, where Clemson edged out SMU with a narrow 34-31 victory. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams were eager to assert their dominance in this rivalry. With SMU's victory, they now hold a 1-1 record against Clemson in their recent encounters, setting the stage for future matchups.
In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to have a relatively healthy roster, which contributed to the high level of play witnessed during the game. The conditions at Memorial Stadium were favorable for football, with clear skies and a moderate temperature, allowing both teams to execute their game plans effectively.
The betting market had favored SMU, with odds reflecting their strong performance leading up to the game. The Mustangs were seen as the team to beat, and they lived up to that expectation with their victory. The odds provided by the market indicated a clear recognition of SMU's capabilities, which they demonstrated on the field.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of offensive talent, with both teams trading scores throughout the match. SMU's ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities ultimately made the difference, as they managed to outpace Clemson in the second half. The Mustangs' defense also stepped up at crucial moments, limiting Clemson's scoring chances and securing the win.
In conclusion, the SMU Mustangs' victory over the Clemson Tigers not only highlights their continued success this season but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the NCAAF season. With their record now at 6-2, SMU is positioned well for the remainder of the campaign, while Clemson will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they move forward.
Leaders
- Passing yardsChristopher Vizzina29/42, 317 YDS, 3 TDClemson Tigers
- Rushing yardsAdam Randall10 CAR, 29 YDSClemson Tigers
- Receiving yardsT.J. Moore5 REC, 124 YDS, 2 TDClemson Tigers
- Passing yardsKevin Jennings23/43, 290 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INTSMU Mustangs
- Rushing yardsChris Johnson Jr.6 CAR, 59 YDS, 1 TDSMU Mustangs
- Receiving yardsJordan Hudson7 REC, 131 YDS, 1 TDSMU Mustangs
Recent form
Clemson Tigers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W228.1 scored · 19.3 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W41-10at Boston College EaglesOct 11
- W38-10at North Carolina Tar HeelsOct 4
- L21-34vs Syracuse OrangeSep 20
- L21-24at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsSep 13
- W27-16vs Troy TrojansSep 6
- L10-17vs LSU TigersAug 30
- W34-31at SMU MustangsDec 8
- L14-17vs South Carolina GamecocksNov 30
- W51-14vs The Citadel BulldogsNov 23
- W24-20at Pittsburgh PanthersNov 16
SMU Mustangs
Last 10: 7-3Streak W234.4 scored · 20.9 allowed per game2-1 away
- W34-10vs Stanford CardinalOct 11
- W31-18vs Syracuse OrangeOct 4
- L24-35at TCU Horned FrogsSep 20
- W28-10at Missouri State BearsSep 13
- L45-48vs Baylor BearsSep 6
- W42-13vs East Texas A&M LionsAug 31
- L31-34vs Clemson TigersDec 8
- W38-6vs California Golden BearsNov 30
- W33-7at Virginia CavaliersNov 23
- W38-28vs Boston College EaglesNov 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | In conference |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Florida State | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| North Carolina | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Stanford | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Boston College | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| California | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Clemson | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Duke | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Georgia Tech | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Louisville | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Miami | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Pittsburgh | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| SMU | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Syracuse | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Virginia Tech | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Wake Forest | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| NC State | 0-1 | 0-1 |
Box score
| Stat | SMU Mustangs | Clemson Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 21 | 19 |
| Third downs | 7-17 | 8-19 |
| Fourth downs | 0-0 | 1-2 |
| Total yards | 429 | 352 |
| Net passing yards | 290 | 317 |
| Completions | 23/43 | 29/42 |
| Yards per pass | 6.7 | 7.5 |
| Rushing yards | 139 | 35 |
| Rushing attempts | 28 | 30 |
| Yards per rush | 5.0 | 1.2 |
| Penalties | 5-60 | 2-9 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 1 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 28:45 | 31:15 |
Win probability
Above the line favours Clemson Tigers, below favours SMU Mustangs.
Venue
- Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC)Clemson, SC
- Attendance78669
Elsewhere
- Playoff sting still fresh, Ole Miss braces for Louisville in the week’s lone ranked matchup
- No. 6 Indiana turns page on its championship season and starts its title defense against North Texas
- Arch Manning and No. 5 Texas open against Texas State as Longhorns eye return to playoffs
- Smart wants No. 3 Georgia to run the ball like champions in opening game against Tennessee State
- No. 18 Penn State begins the Matt Campbell era when it hosts Marshall in the season opener
- Michigan State and Toledo meet in opener, marking debut of coaches Pat Fitzgerald and Mike Jacobs
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