In the end, it wasn’t easy. The Texas Longhorns held off a feisty Clemson squad to win its first round college football playoff game at DRK 38-24.
Texas was powered by its running game, a point of emphasis during the team’s preparation for the Tiger. The Horns ran for almost 300 yards rushing and scored four touchdowns on the ground, highlighted by a 77-yard TD run by Jaydon Blue.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers looked steady most of the day. The junior signal caller had an efficient day, going 17 of 24 for 202 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik, who won three state titles at Westlake HS in Austin, had a stellar game in the loss, going 26 of 43 for 336 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.
Texas will now face Big 12 Champion Arizona State in the Peach Bowl at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.