The Clemson Tigers were without starting quarterback Cade Klubnik because of injury and couldn't keep up with SMU's offense Oct. 18 at Death Valley.

Overall, Vizzina had a good debut as he completed 69 percent of his passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw any interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 156.02, which is actually the highest for a Clemson starting QB in a loss this season by nearly 30 points ( Cade Klubnik 's 129.57 vs. Georgia Tech the next-highest).

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers host the SMU Mustangs in Death Valley in Week 8 of the 2025 college football season, ESPN SP+ predicts the winner.

With back-to-back road wins under their belt, the Tigers return to their home turf with a chance to keep building momentum. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on the ACC Network as Clemson looks to turn its improved play into a spark inside Death Valley.

Clemson football WR Bryant Wesco Jr. was hurt on a punt against SMU and taken to the hospital for evaluation. Here's the latest on his status.

Despite Vizzina’s efforts, Clemson’s defense couldn’t come up with key stops. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, both to Jordan Hudson, including a 70-yard strike early and a late third-down completion that sealed the win.

Kevin Jennings threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, Chris Johnson Jr. scored on a game-clinching 6-yard touchdown run and SMU defeated Clemson 35-24 on Saturday to avenge last year’s heartbreaking loss in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.

Klubnik, an Austin native, has completed 65.8% of his passes this season and thrown for 1,530 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. In Clemson’s win over SMU in the ACC championship game last season, he completed 24 of 41 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns.