Texas leans on running game to put Clemson away in CFP 1st round game

As it has late in the season, the Texas Longhorns used it’s improved rushing attack to hold off Clemson in the first round of the CFP.

For only the third time all season, the Texas Longhorns rushed for more yards than they passed for in a game. It is no coincidence all three games have come at the end of the season.

After the Texas A&M game, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said, “Well, we challenged them about a month ago that the run game had to get going.” Mission accomplished.

With Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers struggling at times in the later half of the season, Sark knew to advance to and through the postseason, Texas would have to run the ball effectively. Against Clemson Saturday, UT did just that. Texas ran for 292 yards, against just 202 passing, to power through the Tigers defense with an efficient ball control offense.

Quintrevion Wisner did most of the hard work in the first half, rushing for 110 yards on 15 carries. Wisner was injured with three minutes left in the first half. He was held out of the second half as a precaution.

The second half though belonged to Jaydon Blue, who electrified the DRK crowd wit touchdown runs of 38 and 77 yards. The 77-yarder came just three plays after Clemson had made it a one-possession game.

Both Wisner and Blue had 2 TDs apiece. After the game, Sark said on his running game, “Well, we committed to it. I thought we blocked things really well. Our runners trusted it. And they were hitting it.” Jerrick Gibson added 21 tough yards on 9 carries.

 

PHOTOS: Best images and pictures from Texas’ win over Clemson in the CFP

Check out the best photos, images and pics from Texas’ first round win over Clemson in the college football playoffs.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas holds off Clemson 38-24, will face Arizona State in quarterfinals of CFP

Texas jumps out to be lead over Clemson then hangs on in the fourth quarter, 38-24 in the first-round of the CFP at DKR.

Texas powered past Clemson in its first-round College Football Playoff matchup at home, securing a 38-24 victory.  Fueled by explosive plays, dominant rushing performances and clutch defensive stands the Longhorns showcased their firepower early, building a commanding lead early in the third quarter. But a gutty performance from Clemson QB Cade Klubnik made for some nervous moments before UT finally ended the Tigers comeback attempt and punched its ticket to the Peach Bowl.

Clemson actually took the lead on the first drive.  Cade Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams for a 22-yard touchdown pass, culminating in a 12-play, 75-yard drive that spanned nearly seven minutes. Nolan Hauser’s extra point secured the Tigers’ early advantage, giving them a 7-0 lead.

Texas responded with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Wisner, following a 12-play, 75-yard drive. Bert Auburn’s kick tied the game at 7-7. From that point on, the Longhorns gained control in the second quarter, scoring three unanswered touchdowns. Blue broke free for a 38-yard touchdown run on a five-play drive, propelling Texas ahead 14-7. Wisner continued the scoring spree midway through the quarter with a 16-yard touchdown run after a six-play, 87-yard effort.

Clemson managed to narrow the gap with a 32-yard field goal by Hauser, cutting the score to 21-10 with less than two minutes remaining in the first half. However, Texas responded with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers to Gunnar Helm, securing the 28-10 lead at halftime.

Texas extended its lead early in the second half with a 22-yard field goal by Auburn, resulting from a 14-play, 71-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes. Clemson countered with a 25-yard touchdown reception by Jarvis Green from Klubnik, narrowing the deficit to 31-17 as the game entered the final quarter.

The Tigers staged a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Klubnik connecting with T.J. Moore for a 7-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 31-24. But Texas swiftly silenced any hopes of a Tigers rally with a breathtaking 77-yard touchdown run just 55 seconds later. The Tigers attempted once more to enter the Texas endzone late in the fourth, but another fourth-down stand by the Texas defense shut the door on Austin-native Klubnik the Tigers. 

Texas will now face off against Arizona State University (11-2), the No. 4 seed, in the CFP quarterfinals on New Year’s Day. Kickoff is slated for Jan. 1 at 11am CT at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The two schools matched up in 2007 during the Holiday Bowl, where Texas defeated Arizona State 54-34.

How to buy Texas Peach Bowl tickets, Texas vs Arizona State College Football Playoff tickets

Texas is headed to the Peach Bowl to take on Arizona State on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Tickets are already on sale and selling fast.

Texas is heading to the Peach Bowl.

The Longhorns defeated the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, clinching their place in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

Texas earned a date against the No. 4 seeded Arizona State Sun Devils at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, GA. on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

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Peach Bowl tickets were already available since the Sun Devils were announced as a participant, but now that Texas will join them in Georgia, tickets are selling fast.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available Peach Bowl ticket to see Texas vs Arizona State cost $143.

Whether you’re a fan of Texas, Arizona State, or just great college football action, don’t miss out on your opportunity to see this game in person.

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How to buy Texas Peach Bowl tickets, Texas vs Arizona State College Football Playoff tickets

Texas is headed to the Peach Bowl to take on Arizona State on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Tickets are already on sale and selling fast.

Texas is heading to the Peach Bowl.

The Longhorns defeated the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, clinching their place in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

Texas earned a date against the No. 4 seeded Arizona State Sun Devils at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, GA. on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Texas vs Arizona State Peach Bowl tickets” link=”https://seatgeek.pxf.io/c/1205322/2374310/20501″]

Peach Bowl tickets were already available since the Sun Devils were announced as a participant, but now that Texas will join them in Georgia, tickets are selling fast.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available Peach Bowl ticket to see Texas vs Arizona State cost $143.

Whether you’re a fan of Texas, Arizona State, or just great college football action, don’t miss out on your opportunity to see this game in person.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Texas vs Arizona State Peach Bowl tickets” link=”https://seatgeek.pxf.io/c/1205322/2374310/20501″]

Longhorns Wire staff predictions for Texas vs. Clemson in CFP

Our Longhorn Wire Staff of experts give their predictions for the Texas vs. Clemson college football playoff game.

It’s a big day for the Texas Longhorns. Today could be a launching pad to a national title or the final day of the season. UT plays Clemson in the first round of the college football playoffs.

The Horns are an 11.5 point favorite over the Tigers, the biggest spread in the CFP first round. The game also features the Austin return of Cade Klubnik, who went to Westlake HS and faced Quinn Ewers and Southlake Carroll in the Texas State Championships at AT&T Stadium.

’s Prediction:

I think Texas defense unit steps up here in this game, I’m going with some early tension on the quarterback front that hopefully gets roughed out by halftime. I think we see a mix of Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers. I don’t think this will be a high scoring game.

Final Score: Texas 27, Clemson14

Jamie Gatlin’s Prediction:

The Longhorns will start their playoff run in Saturday against the Clemson Tigers. Entering this matchup Texas is the heavy favorite despite losing the SEC Championship to Georgia. The Longhorns will be hungry to get back in the win column and will be led by Quinn Ewers.As the Longhorns look to eliminate Clemson they will need the offense to strike early. Against Georgia, Texas didn’t have a touchdown until the fourth quarter. A big day from the offense will make life hard for the Bulldogs.

Final Score: Texas: 20, Clemson: 17

Trey Luerssen’s Prediction:

On paper, Texas is the better team. Clemson was dominated defensively against Georgia and South Carolina and almost allowed an epic comeback by SMU in the ACC Championship Game. Certainly, Texas has had its own struggles over the past few weeks. But a bye week should get the Horns (mostly) healed up and ready to show out.

Final Score: Texas 24, Clemson 13

Texas draft prospects for Packers fans to watch during College Football Playoff

Draft prospects from Texas for Packers fans to watch during the College Football Playoff.

The Texas Longhorns had 11 players drafted during the 2024 NFL Draft. They could match or even exceed that number during the 2025 draft. Let’s look at eight players who could be targets for the Green Bay Packers.

Alred Collins, DT

A former five-star recruit, Collins looks every bit the part of a future wrecking ball. Collins plays with some raw power and walks blockers back into the quarterback’s lap. He has the range to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage and his motor is always running. 

Barryn Sorrell, Edge

Sorrell checks the boxes with his frame and athleticism. As a run defender, he snatches and tosses and sets a hard edge. According to Pro Football Focus, Sorrell has recorded 21 run stops this season. The Texas edge rusher enters the matchup against Clemson with nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 39 pressures. 

Jahdae Barron, DB

A year ago Barron was one of the best slot defenders in the country. This season he’s shown that he can survive on the boundary. Barron led the SEC in interceptions (5) and recorded nine pass deflections. He has the drive explosion to arrive before the pigskin and has wide receiver-like ball skills. He’s a physical downfield defender and stays balanced as a tackler. 

Jake Majors, C

Majors enters the matchup against Clemson with 54 career starts at center for the Longhorns. Majors has heightened awareness and understands protections. Over the past two seasons, Majors has given up zero sacks and 20 pressures.  

Trey Moore, Edge

At 245 pounds, Moore could be too light for Green Bay’s liking. Moore can easily add five pounds without losing his explosive first step. The UTSA transfer has recorded 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures. 

Vernon Broughton, DT

At 6-5, 306 pounds, Broughton has an ideal NFL frame. The Texas defensive tackle has good initial quickness off the snap to get upfield quickly and disrupt the action in the backfield. He maintains his gap and shows the lateral quickness to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.

Matthew Golden, WR

With his instant acceleration off the line of scrimmage and finds a second gear to win vertically. He runs sharp routes and does a good job of mixing up his tempo to keep defensive backs off balance. Golden also brings special teams value as a kick and punt returner. 

Isaiah Bond, WR

The Alabama transfer is a dynamic playmaker. The former track athlete is a vertical threat and can take swing passes the distance with his game-breaking quickness. Bond is similar to Jayden Reed and having those two on the same offense would put a lot of stress on opposing defenses. 

How to watch Texas vs. Clemson, College Football Playoff TV channel, live stream

Everything you need to know to watch the Texas Longhorns vs. Clemson Tigers in their College Football Playoff game on Saturday, Dec. 21.

The Texas Longhorns will host the Clemson Tigers in Austin on Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the College Football Playoff, and if you want to catch the epic postseason action on television or live stream, you have come to the right place.

The Longhorns are the No. 5 seed in the CFP and ranked fourth in the US LBM Coaches Poll entering the matchup. They finished the regular season with an 11-2 record, including their loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. 

The Tigers are the 12th and final seed in the bracket while being ranked 13th in the Coaches Poll following a 10-3 campaign. Clemson clinched the Atlantic Coast Conference title with a win over the SMU Mustangs in the championship game.

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Texas vs. Clemson College Football Playoff info

Here’s everything you need to watch the Longhorns against the Tigers.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21
  • Where: Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas
  • TV channel: TNT
  • Live stream: Sling

These are the games college football fans have been waiting all season to see, so do not miss out on the postseason action! Here is when the game begins.

What time is Texas vs. Clemson?

The Longhorns take on the Tigers at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 21.

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How to watch Texas vs. Clemson, College Football Playoff TV channel, live stream

Everything you need to know to watch the Texas Longhorns vs. Clemson Tigers in their College Football Playoff game on Saturday, Dec. 21.

The Texas Longhorns will host the Clemson Tigers in Austin on Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the College Football Playoff, and if you want to catch the epic postseason action on television or live stream, you have come to the right place.

The Longhorns are the No. 5 seed in the CFP and ranked fourth in the US LBM Coaches Poll entering the matchup. They finished the regular season with an 11-2 record, including their loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. 

The Tigers are the 12th and final seed in the bracket while being ranked 13th in the Coaches Poll following a 10-3 campaign. Clemson clinched the Atlantic Coast Conference title with a win over the SMU Mustangs in the championship game.

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Texas vs. Clemson on Sling” link=”https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/50053/2373029/14334?sharedid=usatoday_paidncaa”]

Texas vs. Clemson College Football Playoff info

Here’s everything you need to watch the Longhorns against the Tigers.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21
  • Where: Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas
  • TV channel: TNT
  • Live stream: Sling

These are the games college football fans have been waiting all season to see, so do not miss out on the postseason action! Here is when the game begins.

What time is Texas vs. Clemson?

The Longhorns take on the Tigers at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 21.

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Texas vs. Clemson with Sling” link=”https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/50053/2373029/14334?sharedid=usatoday_paidncaa”]

How to Watch: What channel is Texas vs Clemson on? Time, TV, Streaming for CFP game

What time does the College Football Playoff action kickoff from Austin?

The No. 5 Texas Longhorns will host the No. 12 Clemson Tigers at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday. The Longhorns fell short of a victory at the SEC Championship in Atlanta that would’ve provided them with the first round bye. Both losses Texas has are from Georgia, including the home game in October 30-15, and the SEC Championship, 22-19. The Clemson Tigers are fresh ACC Champions defeating No. 11 SMU in the ACC Championship, 34-31. They are the last one in the College Football Playoff.

What channel is Texas vs Clemson on Saturday?

  • TV channel: TNT & Max
  • Streaming: Fubo

Texas’ game versus Clemson will be broadcast on TNT & Max. Streaming options for the first-round CFP matchup include MAX and Fubo‘s streaming service.

Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst), Taylor McGregor (sideline) and Laura Rutledge (sideline) will be the broadcast crew.

Texas vs Clemson start time for College Football Playoff game

  • Date: Dec. 21
  • Start time: 3 p.m.
  • Location: Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns play the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet.

The game starts at 3pm and can be seen on TNT and MAX.

Texas Longhorns vs Clemson Tigers Betting Odds

College football odds via BetMGM:

  • Texas is favored by 11.5 points.

    • Spread: Texas by 11.5
    • Over/under: 51.5
    • Moneyline: Texas (-400), Clemson (+325)

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