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

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.

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) gets away from Boston College defensive end Neto Okpala (4) to complete a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game in University Park, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

SMU improved to 10-1 overall and has won eight in a row since an early-September nonconference loss at home to BYU. Its 7-0 ACC record is the best by a team jumping from a mid-maj

Kevin Jennings beat his career high on Saturday, throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns, as well as rushing for another. This performance led No. 13 MU to a resounding 33-7 victory over Virginia, securing them a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.