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.

The Clemson Tigers saw their road to an ACC title game get more difficult, as the SMU Mustangs were able to secure a berth in the game. Going into Week 13, the Tigers knew that they would be doing some scoreboard watching,

The SMU Mustangs announced a transition from the American Athletic Conference to the Atlantic Coast Conference on Sept. 1, 2023 — sending shockwaves around the college football world for a unique conference realignment move.