Alabama football won't be in action in the SEC championship this weekend, but the Crimson Tide will be keenly watching another conference championship on Saturday night: the ACC title game between No. 8 SMU and No. 17 Clemson.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers are one win away from returning to the College Football Playoff as ACC champions for the first time since 2020. Standing in their way is an SMU Mustangs program in their first season in the conference.

Saturday’s ACC title bout will be SMU’s third straight postseason matchup that will feel like an away game. It played on the road at Tulane when it captured the American Athletic Conference title in a 26-14 win this week last year. It also played at Fenway Park against Boston College in its bowl game.