Clemson football’s journey to the College Football Playoff begins with one of the toughest challenges: facing Texas in Austin on December 21. The Tigers’ offense will need to be at its best to overcome a Longhorns defense that ranks among the toughest in the nation.
Texas has been dominant on the defensive side of the ball, allowing just 12.5 points per game this season. Only three opponents have managed to score more than 17 points against them, and the Longhorns lead the nation in pass defense, surrendering just 143.1 yards per game and four passing touchdowns all year.
For Clemson, success will hinge on Cade Klubnik and his receivers finding a way to penetrate Texas’ secondary. ACCN analyst Eric Mac Lain believes standout freshman Bryant Wesco, who shined in the ACC Championship Game, will be key.
“That confidence is exactly what Clemson needs,” Mac Lain said. “Because Texas has the number one pass defense in the country.”
With both Klubnik and Wesco returning to their home state, there’s an extra layer of motivation. “You are going to have to win these 50/50 balls,” Mac Lain said. “And there’s going to be a lot of excitement for these guys performing in front of a familiar crowd.”