Tag: Texas Longhorns

Injury Update: Will Texas stars Kelvin Banks, Isaiah Bond play vs. Clemson?

What is the injury status for Texas stars LT Kelvin Banks, Jr. and WR Isaiah Bond heading into college football playoff game vs. Clemson?

Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian was optimistic this week when asked about the injury status of LT Kelvin Banks Jr. and WR Isaiah Bond for Saturday’s first-round College Football Playoff contest against Clemson.

Sark was guarded as usual about player status, not wanting to give out any more information than he deemed necessary. “They’re both improving, which is great for us,” Sark said in his Thursday Zoom press conference.  “They’re both showing great progress.”

A newly crowned Outland and Lombardi Trophy winner, Banks seems the more likely of the pair to play Saturday, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The junior did reportedly practice this week.

Banks was seen walking this week without a brace or a noticeable limp. “The ankle is feeling a whole lot better,” Banks told reporters Monday. “I’ve been attacking the rehab process, so I’m feeling confident in my ankle and where I’m at in my process. I feel confident I’ll be able to play Saturday.”

Texas Longhorns receiver Isaiah Bond (7) watches practice at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin Monday, Dec. 16, 2024.

Bond is suffering from an ankle injury he got in the SEC title game Georgia in Atlanta. Sark says he didn’t practice this week but, “I’m optimistic that that he’ll be able to go Saturday, but again, time always tells, especially with the injury he’s got.”

Bond has been a big part of Sark’s attack this season. “He’s a guy that can catch a bubble screen and take it the distance, and you have to account for that,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a guy that can catch a crossing route and create an explosive or get a reverse and create an explosive, not to mention all the deep shots down the field.”

Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian checks on injured offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Best Bets, odds, advice and prediction for Texas vs. Clemson CFP Game

Analyzing Texas vs Clemson game with odds and lines, predictions and best bets.

The entire season has been leading to this. The college football playoff. Win or go home. After losing to Georgia in the SEC championship game, the Longhorns must play in the first round. The opponent is the ACC Champion Clemson Tigers at DKR.

Oddly, Texas has never faced the Clemson Tigers. Clemson enters the playoff as the only conference champion that didn’t get a first round bye. It also marks the Austin return of Clemson QB Cade Klubnik, who went to Austin Westlake HS and face (and beat) Texas QB Quinn Ewers in the Texas State final at AT&T Stadium.

Ewers has been up and down in the past few games. He’ll have to play better for the Horns to go deep in the college football playoffs tournament. Some national media analysts think Texas coach Steve Sarkisian will have Ewers on a short leash and will insert Arch Manning if Quinn struggles. Sark actually got a little terse with a reporter asking about Ewers on Thursday.

Even though there will be a few changes in the game presentation at DKR on Sunday, UT should enjoy a distinct home field advantage.

Texas vs. Clemson game odds:

All College Football Odds via BetMGM:

  • Point spread: Texas -11.5 -105 / Clemson +11.5 -115
  • Money line: Texas -400 / Georgia +325
  • Over-under: 51.5 -105

Texas injury updates:

  • Kelvin Banks Jr. – OT (Questionable)
  • Isaiah Bond – WR (Questionable)
  • Derek Williams Jr. – DB (Out)
  • CJ Baxter – RB (Out)
  • Christian Clark – RB (Out)
  • Velton Gardner – RB (Out)

Texas vs. Clemson prediction, pick

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.

Prediction: Texas 24, Clemson 13

Texas vs. Clemson channel, start time, streaming:

The Texas vs. Clemson game starts at 3 PM CT and can be seen on TNT. It will be streamed on MAX

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Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

 

Jordan Pope shines as Longhorns dominate New Orleans 98-62

Junior guard Jordan Pope sets Moody Center single-game record with 42 points.

Junior guard Jordan Pope set a Moody Center record for single-game scoring with a career-high 42 points, leading Texas (10-2) to a commanding 98-62 victory over New Orleans (2-8) on Thursday night.

Pope was electric, converting 15-of-21 field goals, including 8-of-12 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-5 free throws in 33 minutes. His eight three-pointers were two shy of the Texas single-game record, and his six second-half threes tied for the second most in a single half in program history.

Senior forward Arthur Kaluma notched his third double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds, adding three assists and two blocks in 28 minutes. Junior Chendall Weaver contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 26 minutes.

The Longhorns shot 54.8% from the field, including 52.0% from three-point range. In the second half, they hit 60% from both the field and beyond the arc, extending their lead with a 34-3 run over eight minutes. Texas tallied 15 assists while committing a season-low six turnovers and recorded a season-high nine blocked shots.

The Longhorns opened with a 16-0 run, holding New Orleans scoreless for the first 7:38 of the game. After UNO narrowed the deficit to 21-15, Texas responded with a 12-0 spurt, building a 44-28 halftime lead. Pope exploded in the second half, scoring 27 points as the Longhorns outscored the Privateers 54-34 in the final 20 minutes.

Texas improves to 7-1 at Moody Center this season and will enjoy a 10-day break before hosting Northwestern State on Dec. 29. The game tips off at 11 a.m. CT and will stream on SEC Network+.

Feisty Sarkisian spars with reporter over Quinn Ewers question

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian refuses to answer Quinn Ewers question.

Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian is known for withholding information about players’ injuries until all the details are available. Sarkisian avoids speculation and sticks to the facts, which is a common practice in today’s sports world.

During a media availability session on Thursday, beat reporter Anwar Richardson asked Sarkisian about the impact of Quinn Ewers on the team. As Richardson was asking his question, he mentioned that this might be Ewers’ final game with the Longhorns. Sarkisian abruptly cut him off, saying, “I’m not doing hypotheticals, next one.”

Sarkisian refused to address the hypothetical scenario but did touch on the impact that Ewers has had on the team. It was a valid question that Richardson was attempting to ask.  If Texas loses the game, Ewers will have a decision to make.

While many reports suggest that he has already made his choice and is headed to the NFL Draft, early projections by USA TODAY Sports indicate that he could be selected in the second round.

The Texas Longhorns will face the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoff at Darrell K. Royal Stadium in Austin at 3:00 pm CT.

Former Texas QB finds his third new team through the Transfer Portal

Former Texas QB Maalik Murphy has found his new team. For the second year in a row, Murphy is on the move through the transfer portal.

Duke transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy has committed to Oregon State, his third team in three years. After a great year at Duke, Murphy was a surprise entrance into the NCAA transfer portal. Murphy was Quinn Ewers backup last season at Texas.

Murphy, who has two years of eligibility left, led the Blue Devils to 9-3 record. He will not play in Duke’s Gator Bowl matchup with Ole Miss.

Landing Murphy was a transfer portal recruiting win for Duke coach Manny Diaz. Murphy picked the Blue Devils over Oregon State, South Carolina and Baylor. This year, the Southern California native passed for 2,933 yards.

Diaz has nothing but love for Murphy, “I’ve got a ton of respect for Maalik Murphy. Our story as a program, it doesn’t happen this way without Maalik. He’s been everything we could have hoped for and more in his time with us. I’m excited for him and his future and I’m glad we were part of each other’s story.”

Murphy was the backup at Texas last year and started two games in relief of an injured Quinn Ewers, throwing for 477 yards and three TDs. His most memorable game was a 33-30 OT win over Kansas State in Austin. The Wildcats were led by current Ohio State QB Will Howard.

 

Steve Sarkisian named semifinalist for George Munger Award

With Sarkisian leading the way, the Longhorns have been one of the best teams in the SEC with an 11-2 record

Following another impressive regular season, Steve Sarkisian is getting national attention. On Wednesday, the Longhorns head coach was named a semifinalist for the George Munger College Coach of the Year Award, which is given annually to the top coach in college football.

With Sarkisian leading the way, the Longhorns have been one of the best teams in the SEC with an 11-2 record. Texas has back-to-back 11-plus win seasons for the first time since 2008-09. They are also one win shy of the fifth 12th-plus-win season in program history.

As the Longhorns have adjusted to a new conference, their offense has been hard to stop. Through 13 games, Texas ranks 13th in passing offense, 15th in team passing efficiency, and 16th in completion percentage. Regardless of who is under center, Sarkisian has put his team in the best position to be successful.

While the Longhorns offense has made headlines, the defense under Sarkisian has impressed. They lead the FBS in turnovers gained and passing yards allowed. Texas also ranks fifth nationally in first down defense, with veterans such as Jahdae Barron having career years.

For many in Austin, Sarkisian’s latest recognition comes as no surprise. He was also a finalist for the award last year and was named to the watch lists for the Dodd Trophy and Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year awards earlier this year.

The 2024 George Munger Award winner will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in less than a month.

Texas Longhorns vs. Clemson Tigers: Home-field advantages will be different

Texas home-field advantage will be different.

The Texas Longhorns will host the Clemson Tigers at Darrell K. Royal on Saturday in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Earlier last week, Chris Del Conte said the game would feel like a normal Texas home game. Front Office Sports confirmed it will feel like a home game but some elements could but don’t expect these games to look like your typical Saturday in Austin or elsewhere.

While Texas enjoys a significant home-field advantage against Clemson in Saturday night’s highly anticipated matchup, the CFP’s unique rules for these games are shaking up the usual game-day experience:

  • Ticket Sales: Revenue goes directly to the CFP. Texas keeps parking and concession profits, but their usual financial windfall won’t be as large.
  • Visitor Allotment: Clemson fans will have access to only 3,500 tickets, including seats for the band—significantly fewer than what’s offered at conference championships or bowl games.
  • Visitor Perks: Clemson has the option to include a hype video during their team’s introduction, a rare accommodation for road teams.
  • Game Day Operations: While Texas staff will run the P.A. system and music, the CFP controls much of the scripting, shooting for a much neutral presentation.

The action kicks off Saturday night in Austin, where sunny skies and temperatures over 60 degrees are expected—a sharp contrast to the frigid conditions in South Bend, State College, and Columbus.

With high stakes and historic implications, hotels in Austin have been buzzing with activity, but the city’s nearly one million residents make hosting a large influx of visitors more manageable compared to smaller playoff markets like South Bend and State College.

Playoff Schedule:

  • Friday Night: Indiana @ Notre Dame
  • Saturday Afternoon: SMU @ Penn State
  • Saturday Evening: Clemson @ Texas
  • Saturday Nightcap: Tennessee @ Ohio State

Texas Football 2nd most valuable program in college football behind …

Texas Longhorns Football is the 2nd most valuable program in college football, joining a list of almost exclusively SEC and Big Ten programs at the top.

The University of Texas football program has been one of the most valuable in the country for years. From the brand to payments from the Longhorns Network to the school’s oil reserves to big name donors to its size, Texas is always near or at the top.

This year, is no exception. A new study by CNBC lists Texas Football No. 2 in the nation, right behind Ohio State. In the era of NIL and record profits, private investors are even trying to get in on the action.

“Ohio State University is the most valuable athletic program, worth an estimated $1.32 billion. The Buckeyes had $280 million in revenue in 2023, the most of any school. Other factors that helped propel the Buckeyes to the top of the rankings are an alumni base of over 600,000, a fan base of more than 11 million, boosters that donated nearly $60 million last year, and a football team that routinely has attendance of over 100,000 at its games.”
— CNBC’s Michael Ozanian

It is no surprise the overall list is top heavy with teams from the Big Ten and SEC. Texas A&M, Michigan and Alabama joined Texas and Ohio State in the Top 5. Notre Dame is sixth.

The SEC is worth about on average $832 million per school, with a combined worth of $13.3 billion. The Big Ten is $734 million per school totaling $13.2 billion. The ACC is $562 million per school totaling $9.6 billion and the Big 12 $420 million per school at $6.7 billion total.

Rank Program Valuation Revenue Conference
1. Ohio State $1.32B $280M Big Ten
2. Texas $1.28B $271M SEC
3. Texas A&M $1.26B $279M SEC
4. Michigan $1.06B $230M Big Ten
5. Alabama $978M $200M SEC
6. Notre Dame $969M $224M ACC
7. Georgia $950M $210M SEC
8. Nebraska $943M $205M Big Ten
9. Tennessee $940M $202M SEC
10. Oklahoma $928M $199M SEC
11. Penn State $924M $202M Big Ten
12. USC $923M $212M Big Ten

 

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt makes his Texas vs. Clemson playoff prediction

Joel Klatt’s prediction is in for the Texas-Clemson college football playoff game. Who does the Fox Sports lead analyst think will win?

The Texas Longhorns begin a hopeful college football playoff run Saturday at DKR against the Clemson Tigers. Texas is an 11.5 point favorite in the game, the largest spread of any of the first round games.

Fox Sports lead analyst Joel Klatt broke down the game for The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast. The former Colorado QB took a look first at Texas’ stout defense.

“The most underrated unit, maybe in America, I think you can make an argument is the Texas defense. The Texas defense right now is No. 1 in the country in yards per play defense and No. 2 in scoring defense. … Can Clemson score over 20 points? … I believe the answer is ‘No.’ So if you start with that premise, you immediately have to go to the Texas offense and you have to wonder to yourself, ‘What’s Texas’ offense going to do in this game?”
— Joel Klatt

It is the Texas offense that gives Klatt the most pause. Texas’ offense has struggle mightily at times since Ewers returned from his early season oblique injury. Some of that is due to Ewers lack of mobility in the later half of the season. The Southlake product also suffered an ankle injury in the Kentucky game, which limited him against Texas A&M and Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

“Ewers is not playing very well. The back half of the year, I have felt on a number of occasions that Texas’ offense would be better with Arch Manning. I know that’s hyperbolic. I candidly hate saying that. But I think it’s the case. And it’s the case because when Ewers doesn’t have mobility … he can’t scamper for first downs. And when you can’t move the chains with your legs as a quarterback, even just a couple of times, then the premium on your ability to be a great passer goes way up. You’ve got to throw guys open. You’ve got to be dynamic as a passer.”
— Joel Klatt

The big question for Klatt is whether or not Texas can get to 20 points. Even with Ewers struggles, he thinks they can.

“What do we see from Sark, generally speaking, after a long lay off? Great game plans. And so I fully expect him to have something cooked up for this Clemson defense that is going to allow Quinn Ewers to succeed. So do I think Texas can get to 20 points? Yes.”
— Joel Klatt

But if Ewers struggles, Klatt thinks Sark should turn to Manning quickly.

“I do think Ewers is going to have a short leash. I think of Tua with Jalen Hurts. I think this is it! You’ve got to win this game to move on. There’s no other game after this.”
— Joel Klatt

So, who does the Fox man think will win the game?

“I like Texas to win this game. Texas is going to get close to 30 points. I think they score 27. Clemson does not score 20 points. I think they score 17. … The Texas defense is going to win this game for them. 27-17. Texas wins this game. And I’m taking the points for Clemson.”
— Joel Klatt

Texas hosts Clemson at DKR Saturday afternoon at 3pm CT on TNT.

Longhorns linebacker commits to Mississippi State via Transfer Portal

He was a redshirt freshman this season and still has multiple years of eligibility remaining

On Wednesday, the Texas Longhorns lost another member of their defense to the transfer portal. Linebacker Derion Gullette signed with Mississippi State after two years in Texas. He was a redshirt freshman this season and still has multiple years of eligibility remaining.

During the 2024 campaign, Gullette appeared in five games and recorded two tackles. Most of his playing time came against Colorado State, UTSA, and UL-Monroe. In four games, he also got snaps on special teams with the kickoff coverage unit.

While Gullette’s Longhorns career did not go as planned, he is a player who drew interest just a few years ago. Coming out of high school, he was ranked as the No. 121 recruit in the 2023 class and the No. 18 edge rusher, by 247Sports. That is one of the reasons, Gullette was a four-star recruit and a priority for Texas.

Before joining the Bulldogs, the Texas native drew interest from the Ole Miss Rebels and North Carolina Tar Heels. While both programs are full of talent, Gullette will get a second chance to show that he belongs in the SEC.

Although Gullerre’s role is still to be determined, he should get a chance to play against his former team at some point next season. That is a game he will be circling on his calendar.