Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had nothing but praise for Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney as the Tigers prepare to face the Longhorns in the College Football Playoff. Speaking earlier this week, Sarkisian credited Swinney’s leadership and Clemson’s culture for the Tigers’ ability to fight through adversity and return to the national stage.
“They’ve faced some adversity this year,” Sarkisian said. “But I think the way Dabo leads that program, it’s clear why they’ve been able to turn things around. It speaks volumes about the culture he’s built there.”
Clemson (10-3), the No. 12 seed in the inaugural 12-team playoff, secured its spot with a gritty 34-31 win over SMU in the ACC Championship Game. Despite being underdogs heading into their matchup against No. 5 Texas (11-2), the Tigers remain confident. Swinney believes his team hasn’t played its best football yet and sees the playoff as an opportunity to finally put together a complete game.
Sarkisian isn’t taking the Tigers lightly. “That’s a championship program,” he said. “They’re always competitive, and you can see they’re peaking at the right time. We’re going to have to play really well to come out on top.”
Clemson is embracing an “us against the world” mentality as it travels to Austin. This mindset has fueled the Tigers throughout the season, especially as doubters questioned whether they deserved a playoff spot. Swinney’s squad is determined to prove they belong, just as they did in the ACC title game.
“Anytime you face a team like Clemson, you know it’s going to be a battle,” Sarkisian added. “They’re well-coached, disciplined, and have the talent to compete with anyone.”
Saturday’s game, set for 4 p.m. at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, will showcase two proud programs aiming for a spot in the semifinals. Texas brings one of the nation’s best defenses, while Clemson hopes its experience and resilience will give the Tigers an edge in a hostile environment. Both teams know there’s no room for error with the high stakes.