CHARLOTTE – In a championship game that will be remembered for its heart-stopping finale, Clemson secured the ACC Football Championship with a dramatic 56-yard field goal by kicker Nolan Hauser as time expired, defeating SMU 34-31 in a rocking Bank of America Stadium that witnessed an instant classic.

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams trading blows in a contest that seemed destined to be decided in its final moments. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik emerged as the game's defining player, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns, while SMU's Kevin Jennings matched him with a gutsy 310-yard, three-touchdown performance that nearly carried his team to victory.

Photo Courtesy of the Atlantic Coast Confernce

Clemson started the game with lightning speed, scoring on its first two possessions and quickly building a 14-0 lead. Klubnik connected with tight end Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown on the Tigers' opening drive after an SMU fumble, then found Wesco again for a 43-yard scoring strike that seemed to put the game out of reach early.

But SMU refused to surrender. Quarterback Kevin Jennings orchestrated a pivotal 75-yard drive late in the first quarter, punctuated by his 24-yard rushing touchdown that breathed life into the Mustangs and cut the deficit to 14-7.

The first half continued as a showcase of offensive firepower, with Clemson extending its lead to 24-7 before SMU began to mount a comeback in the second half. Jennings, showing remarkable resilience, led his team back into contention. His 10-yard touchdown pass to Brashard Smith in the third quarter brought SMU within ten points, signaling the start of a dramatic fourth quarter.

With just over 13 minutes remaining, Jennings connected with Matthew Hibner for a 20-yard touchdown, pulling SMU to within 31-24. A subsequent field goal by Collin Rogers cut the lead to just four points, setting the stage for a breathtaking finish.

The game's final moments were a testament to the unpredictability of championship football. With just 16 seconds remaining, Jennings found Roderick Daniels Jr. for a 4-yard touchdown that seemingly pushed the game to overtime, tying the score at 31-31.

But Clemson had other plans. The Tigers' special teams unit and kicker Nolan Hauser would have the final say. An outstanding 61-yard kickoff return by Adam Randall got the Tigers across midfield. On the game's last play, the Charlotte native launched a remarkable 56-yard field goal that sailed through the uprights as time expired, giving Clemson a 34-31 victory and the ACC Championship.

"I mean, what a kick. I think it's the longest game-winning kick in Clemson history," Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said after the game. "I've been a part of some big ones, obviously the Catanzaro kick against LSU with two seconds on the clock and then this kick right here, I've been a part of some big ones. But that was huge, the protection, the snap, the hold, everything. And when he hit it, I went, oh, man. We were talking about overtime, trying to get our overtime plan ready to go, what we were going to do there, but as soon as he hit it and it cleared the line, I went, this thing has got a chance, and it just goes through. I'm just so happy for Nolan, right here, Charlotte kid, a freshman, and those are the type of things that -- those are the type of wins that really propel you."

Statistically, the game told a story of Clemson's balanced attack and resilience. The Tigers outgained SMU 458 to 326 yards, with a powerful rushing performance of 148 yards. Klubnik's four touchdown passes came without a single interception, while Bryant Wesco Jr. emerged as a key playmaker with eight receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns.

For SMU, Jennings was nothing short of heroic. Despite the loss, he completed 32 of 51 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns, adding a crucial 35 yards on the ground. Roderick Daniels Jr. led the receiving corps with eight catches for 97 yards, keeping the Mustangs competitive throughout the contest.

The game's defensive battle was equally compelling. Clemson's defense, led by Sammy Brown's 14 total tackles, created crucial stops and one interception. SMU's defense, anchored by Kobe Wilson's 15 total tackles, fought hard but couldn't completely contain Klubnik and the Clemson offense.

In the end, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney secured another championship, adding to his legacy of postseason success. The victory showcased the Tigers' ability to perform under pressure and their status as a perennial contender in college football's highest echelons. "It's fun to be a part of it, and it never gets old. But really happy for all those guys, all the way back, every single one, from the Dandy Dozen to this year's freshmen. They've all won a championship. But we've done it, again, by fulfilling the purpose that we've set out to do," Swinney mentioned after the game.

For SMU and head coach Rhett Lashlee, the loss was heartbreaking but not without merit. Their performance proved they belonged on this stage, pushing the conference’s best team of the last decade to the absolute limit in a game that will be discussed for years to come. "We have good players, but the secret sauce is they're a true team. I've said it. It's real. You feel it. That's why it hurts when they lose because they do everything the right way. They work hard. They trust each other. They love each other. They compete with each other. They have each other's back. They don't blame other people when they make a mistake. There's no finger-pointing," Lashlee said postgame. "They're just a true team. That's why I think they respond so well to everything. They'll respond well to this. They're hurting right now, but they'll respond well to this just like they did tonight coming back. I just think it's a special group. I've said it all year, it's been really, really fun to coach them, and I hope we're not done."

As the fireworks sparkled in the Charlotte skyline and Clemson celebrated, the ACC Championship game lived up to its billing – a thrilling, unpredictable contest decided in the most dramatic fashion possible, with Nolan Hauser's foot writing the final chapter of an unforgettable championship story.

Both teams played playoff-worthy football on Saturday night and will await their fate with the College Football Playoff committee on Sunday afternoon.

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte 49ers football program has announced the hiring of Tim Albin as their new head coach. Charlotte Athletics Director Mike Hill welcomed Coach Albin after his team's successful Mid-American Conference Championship Game win on Saturday afternoon.

“We had incredible interest in this position which speaks to the remarkable opportunity ahead of Tim and the program he will build here in the Queen City," Hill said. "From the outset, we sought an experienced collegiate coach with a proven track record of sustained success on the field and in the recruitment and development of student-athletes. Tim’s professional accolades and resume check all those boxes, but his leadership, stewardship, and commitment to the holistic development of our football student-athletes set him apart.”

Albin, a seasoned coach with a proven track record of success, joins the 49ers after a successful stint as the head coach at Ohio University. He led the Bobcats to three straight 10-win seasons and the Mid-American Conference championship and coach of the year honors this year. In over one hundred years of Ohio football history, the Bobcats have six 10-win seasons. Albin was responsible for three of those during his four years as head coach and was an assistant for another in 2011. Albin was the conference’s coach of the year in two of his four seasons at the helm. Under his guidance, the team has consistently ranked among the top offensive units in the MAC, breaking numerous school records in rushing, passing, and scoring. 

“I am beyond excited to begin this new journey at Charlotte and start the process of developing the 49ers into the championship-caliber program we all believe it can and should be,” Albin said. “I would like to thank Chancellor Sharon Gaber and Mike Hill for their trust and belief in our future together. I cannot wait to get started.” 

Prior to holding the head coaching position at Ohio, Albin was the team’s offensive coordinator for fifteen years under Frank Solich. Albin's coaching career spans several institutions, including North Dakota State, Nebraska, and Northwestern Oklahoma State, where he led the Rangers to the 1999 NAIA national championship. 

BOONE – Appalachian State University has named Dowell Loggains as its new head football coach. Loggains, a veteran offensive coordinator with extensive experience in the NFL and college football, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Mountaineers.

Most recently, Loggains served as the offensive coordinator for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Prior to his time in Columbia, he was the tight ends coach at his alma mater, Arkansas. Loggains has also coached at the collegiate level, including stops as offensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears.

App State Director of Athletics Doug Gillin expressed excitement about the hiring of Loggains. "We are very excited for Dowell Loggains to be the next leader of App State Football. He brings experience as a leader and play-caller at the highest levels of professional and college football. He is a great recruiter and believes strongly in building relationships. He is aligned with our core values of academic integrity, competitive excellence, social responsibility and world-class experience. This is a great day for App State." 

Loggains is known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to develop quarterbacks. His hiring is expected to elevate App State's offensive attack and help the Mountaineers continue their recent success.

The fourth round of the North Carolina high school football playoffs was defined by shocking upsets and dominant performances that will be remembered for years to come. Tarboro set the tone with a thunderous 50-0 shutout that left no doubt about their championship aspirations, while Jacksonville delivered the most stunning blow of the round, dismantling top-seeded Havelock 56-28 in a game that rewrote the postseason narrative. Brevard added to the night's spectacular highlights with an overwhelming 57-14 victory, and in perhaps the most surprising result, fifth-seeded Corvian dethroned previously unbeaten Mount Airy, proving that in the playoffs, anything can happen.

1A East Semifinals:

(1) Tarboro def. (4) Pender, 50-0

(3) Wilson Prep def. (10) Lakewood, 36-17

1A West Semifinals:

(2) Mountain Heritage def. (3) Murphy, 26-8

(5) Corvian def. (1) Mount Airy, 14-7

2A East Semifinals:

(1) Northeastern def. (12) James Kenan, 46-28

(2) Whiteville def. (19) Kinston, 48-21

2A West Semifinals:

(9) Brevard def. (13) Forest Hills, 57-14

(3) Monroe def. (2) Shelby, 41-23

3A East Semifinals:

(12) Jacksonville def. (1) Havelock, 56-28

(2) Seventy-First def. (11) Rose, 48-7

3A West Semifinals:

(8) West Charlotte def. (5) Dudley, 39-13

(3) Hickory def. (10) North Lincoln, 49-46

4A East Semifinals:

(5) Rolesville def. (1) Cleveland, 49-6

(2) Cardinal Gibbons def. (3) Hoggard, 38-0

4A West Semifinals:

(1) Grimsley def. (5) Hough, 35-28

(2) Weddington def. (3) East Forsyth, 37-21

Next Week's Regional Championship Matchups:

1A East: (1) Tarboro vs. (3) Wilson Prep
1A West: (2) Mountain Heritage vs. (5) Corvian
2A East: (1) Northeastern vs. (2) Whiteville
2A West: (3) Monroe vs. (9) Brevard
3A East: (2) Seventy-First vs. (12) Jacksonville
3A West: (3) Hickory vs. (8) West Charlotte
4A East: (2) Cardinal Gibbons vs. (5) Rolesville
4A West: (1) Grimsley vs. (2) Weddington

GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T State University has found its new football leader in Shawn Gibbs, a familiar face returning to Aggieland to restore the program's winning tradition. The university's Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III announced Gibbs as the 23rd head coach in the program's history on Friday, marking a homecoming for a coach with deep roots in the Aggies' football legacy.

Gibbs, 49, brings an impressive coaching pedigree to the position, most recently leading Fort Valley State University to consecutive eight-win seasons and a Florida Beach Bowl victory in 2023. His return to NC A&T comes after an 11-year stint with the program where he played a crucial role in establishing the team's reputation as "Running Back U."

During his previous tenure with the Aggies, Gibbs was instrumental in the team's success, helping the program secure Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships in 2014, 2015, and from 2017-2019. He notably coached several standout players, including NFL star Tarik Cohen, who became the MEAC's all-time leading rusher and the only player in conference history to win offensive player of the year three times.

"It is a dream come true for me to accept the position as head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University," Gibbs said. "My family and I are thrilled to return home to Greensboro, a community with such a special place in our hearts."

The coaching position comes with significant challenges. Gibbs replaces Vincent Brown, who managed only two wins in two seasons, and is tasked with rebuilding the program's competitive edge. His track record suggests he's up to the challenge, having posted an impressive 22-9 record at Fort Valley State and demonstrating a talent for developing exceptional running backs.

Gibbs' coaching experience spans two decades, including notable stints at Grambling State University and his alma mater, North Carolina Central University. A standout running back in his own right, Gibbs rushed for 1,687 career yards during his playing days and holds his high school's rushing record with 4,655 yards.

An introductory press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the A&T campus Student Center, where fans and media will get their first comprehensive look at the program's new direction under Gibbs' leadership.

Hilton expressed confidence in the hiring, stating, "It is obvious he finds a way to get the best out of his players. Coach Gibbs understands the challenge ahead and has great enthusiasm and passion for North Carolina A&T."

As the Aggies look to reclaim their former glory, all eyes will be on Gibbs to see if he can translate his successful coaching history into a revival of the program's winning ways.

GREENSBORO – Sometimes, the path from player to coach is paved with unexpected challenges. For Vincent Brown, his two-year tenure as head coach of North Carolina A&T State University's football program ended Wednesday with a somber dismissal that reflects the unforgiving nature of collegiate athletics.

Brown's journey from NFL player to collegiate coach seemed promising. A Mississippi Valley State alumni and eight-year New England Patriots veteran, he brought a wealth of football experience to the Aggies. After six successful years as defensive coordinator at both Howard and William & Mary, expectations were high when he took the helm in Greensboro.

However, the on-field results told a different story. The 2023 season concluded with a challenging 1-10 record, and 2024 mirrored that struggle with a near-identical 1-11 performance. A winless 0-8 conference record in the Coastal Athletic Association for the second straight year sealed his fate.

Athletic Director Earl Hilton's statement was diplomatic, thanking Brown for his contributions and helping transition the program into the CAA Football Conference. Yet, the subtext was clear: performance matters.

Brown's story serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margin between success and failure in collegiate coaching. From NFL player to head coach to sudden unemployment, his journey underscores the unpredictable nature of sports leadership.