Hauser's field goal was the longest in ACC championship game history.
Bryant Wesco had eight catches for 143 yards and two TDs in the first quarter for the Tigers (10-3, No. 17 CFP), who needed a win to get into the expanded 12-team playoffs. Jake Briningstool added two short TD receptions as Clemson improved to 9-1 in ACC championship games under coach Dabo Swinney.
Kevin Jennings threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns and ran a score for SMU (11-1, No. 8 CFP), which had gone 8-0 in the regular season in its first year since in the ACC after moving over from American Athletic Conference.
The mistake-filled loss cost the Mustangs a shot at a first-round bye in the CFP and potentially could keep them out of the field altogether.
Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker set the tone on the game's first series with a sack-fumble and Klubnik threw three first-quarter touchdown passes as the Tigers, a 2 1/2-point underdog, bolted to a 21-7 lead. Klubnik finished the first quarter 8 of 10 for 120 yards with three TDs, including scoring tosses of 45 and 35 yards to Wesco.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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