SMU set pretty clear and realistic goals for its first season in the ACC. The Mustangs anticipated that the jump from the American Athletic Conference to the Atlantic Coast Conference would come with growing pains.

SMU clinched a spot in the ACC championship game after a 33-7 win over Virginia on Saturday, becoming the first team in league history to make the title game in its first season.

The penultimate week of the 2024 college football season has arrived, and the pressure is on for those trying to earn their spot in the College Football Playoff

Kevin Jennings threw for a career-high 323 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another, and No. 13 SMU clinched a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game by routing Virginia 33-7.

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) celebrates with fans after defeating Boston College in an NCAA college football game in University Park, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)(Michael Ainsworth / AP) SMU is one win away from accomplishing the improbable feat of reaching the ACC title game in its first year in the conference.

No. 13 SMU can clinch a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game by beating Virginia on the road this weekend.

The SMU Mustangs announced a transition from the American Athletic Conference to the Atlantic Coast Conference on Sept. 1, 2023 — sending shockwaves around the college football world for a unique conference realignment move.