SMU Mustangs vs. Clemson Tigers Picks and Predictions, Saturday, October 18, 2025
Use Code SSWC It’s a rematch of last season’s ACC Championship game, so strap in, check out our SMU vs. Clemson predictions, and get ready for a big day! The Mustangs (4-2 SU, 1-5 ATS) dismantled Stanford at home last weekend, 34-10, as -19.5 favorites. The Tigers (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS) cruised past Boston College, 41-10, as -14 favorites on the road last weekend. This matchup will kick off at 3:30 EST at Memorial Stadium, and don’t forget, we have the best College Football Picks to help you out!
Conference play gets SMU on track
After splitting the first four games of their season, the Mustangs have rattled off back-to-back wins and are 2-0 SU in ACC play at the halfway point of the regular season. They found the end zone in all four quarters against Stanford as the offense had 369 yards and 17 first downs. The defense forced two turnovers and allowed 353 yards and 23 first downs.
In two ACC games, the offense averaged 32 points, and, on the year, they are putting up 34 points per game, eighth best in the ACC. They average 404.8 total yards per game, with 227.8 coming by way of air. Kevin Jennings went 22-30 for 247 passing yards and two touchdowns versus Stanford. The junior QB has completed 71.7% of his passes for 1,658 yards, 15 TDs and six interceptions, and he’s been sacked 11 times. Romello Brinson is third in the ACC with 484 receiving yards, and his 32 catches are the fifth most in the conference. SMU’s running game averages 127 yards per game, led by T.J. Harden, who has 415 rushing yards and 5 TDs on 85 carries.
On the defensive end, SMU is giving up 22.3 points per game, seventh in the ACC. The 423.2 total yards allowed per game is the second-worst mark in the conference and they have the worst passing defense in the ACC, allowing 315.8 yards per game. Yet they also led the conference with 19 sacks and 10 interceptions. Against the run, they’ve allowed 107.3 yards per game. Isaiah Nwokobia leads the team and is sixth in the ACC with 48 tackles. Cameron Robertson leads the team with 4.5 sacks.
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Team notes
- Have won 19 straight regular-season conference games.
- Brinson is third in the ACC with 80.7 receiving yards per game.
- Defense ranks 24th in the nation with four fumble recoveries.
- Have nine touchdown drives that have lasted under two minutes.
- Since taking over the kicking duties, Sam Keltner is 15-15 on PATs and 4-7 on FGs.
Clemson steadies themselves
The Tigers season did not get off on the right track as they went 1-3 SU and 0-2 SU in ACC play. A pair of ACC road tilts has helped the team get back to their feet as they took down North Carolina and B.C. by a combined score of 79-20. The defense kept Boston College to 221 yards and 15 first downs while the offense pounded out 504 yards and 28 first downs.
The efforts over their last two games allowed the offense to pull their scoring average up to 26.3 points per game, 13th in the ACC. They are 10th in the ACC with 404.8 total yards, fronted by a passing offense averaging 278.8 yards per game, sixth in the conference. Cade Klubnik threw for 280 yards and a touchdown against B.C., but also tossed an interception for the fifth time in six games. The senior has 1,530 passing yards, 11 TDs, 5 INTs and has been sacked seven times. Klubnik did sprain his ankle last weekend but should be a go, according to Dabo Swinney. Bryant Wesco Jr. leads the ACC with 537 yards and has 31 catches and 6 TDs. Adam Randall’s team-best 404 rushing yards pace a rushing game averaging 130 yards per game.
Clemson’s scoring defense is second-best among ACC teams, averaging 18.5 points per game. They are tied for fourth, allowing 322.3 total yards and their run defense is third best in the conference, giving up 104.8 yards per game. Versus the pass, they rank seventh in the ACC, allowing 217.5 yards while recording 16 sacks and four interceptions. Ronan Hanafin, Sammy Brown and Wade Woodaz all have a team-high 39 tackles. Will Heldt leads the team with 3.5 sacks and Ricardo Jones has two interceptions.
Team notes
- Nolan Hauser, named ACC Specialist of the Week after the BC win, is 20-20 on PATS and 6-8 on FGs this season.
- Allowing 1.17 sacks per game, they are tied for 24th in the country.
- Defense held last two opponents under 300 total yards.
- Antonio Williams is one TD catch shy of tying for ninth all-time in program history for receiving touchdowns with 18.
SMU vs. Clemson Picks
Spread Pick for SMU vs. Clemson
- SMU +9.5 (5 units)
These two got introduced to each other on the big stage of the ACC Championship last season, which Clemson won by three points as +2.5 underdogs. The teams come into the rematch with a similar wind of momentum behind them, having both won big in back-to-back ACC affairs. The Tigers’ defense is going to offer up stronger opposition than the Mustangs have seen over their past few games. However, SMU leans on the pass and that is where it is best to attack Clemson. The same holds for the Tigers on offense, but the Mustangs do a lot more to get into the opposing backfield and Klubnik is apt to make a mistake along the way. In terms of a common opponent, both played Syracuse and Clemson lost to them at home, while SMU defeated them on the road by 13 points. This is going to be a very close affair. SMU has won an amazing 19 straight regular-season conference games, going back to their AAC days.
Take the Mustangs getting the points.
Over/Under Pick for SMU vs. Clemson
- Over 55.5 (4 units)
Things got offensive when they met for the conference title last season as they combined to score 65 points against a 56.5-point total. Though neither has a Top 7 ACC scoring offense, both have picked up the scoring pace in conference play, Clemson averaging 30.3 a game and SMU, 32 per. Both teams do have strong defenses, but I think those go by the wayside and this things turns into a bit of a shootout. Both sides are equipped with QBs who can sling it and reliable hands on the other side. With revenge on their mind, I’m fully expecting SMU to go all out on the offensive end. Klubnik’s ankle will be something worth keeping an eye on, but if his line can protect him, he’ll be fine.
Take the over.
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