Following yet another statement performance, SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said he feels his program has earned its spot in the playoff, regardless of what happens in next week’s ACC championship game against Clemson.

Not done yet. Saturday's disappointment in Death Valley led into a Playoff hope still alive over the course of the day thanks to action in another Upstate regio

The No. 12 Tigers (9-3) will face No. 9 SMU (11-1) in Charlotte on Dec. 7 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Bank of America Stadium. Clemson made the ACC title game after Syracuse upset Miami on Saturday. This will be the first meeting between Clemson and SMU after the Mustangs joined the ACC this year.