Clemson, Texas history
As previously mentioned, Clemson and Texas have never faced off. However, they both have history in the College Football Playoff. The Tigers were in the tournament in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019, winning a pair of national titles in ‘16 and ‘18. The Longhorns meanwhile made the CFP last season but lost in the semifinals to Washington. Texas won a national championship in 2005, beating Reggie Bush and USC in what will always be remembered as a historic game.
Clemson looking for the upset
While the Tigers certainly had a respectable season, it was a bit of a surprise to see them make the College Football Playoff with three losses. But as you saw above, they have no shortage of success on the big stage and that should hopefully help on Saturday. Clemson just barely beat SMU in the ACC Championship, coming out with a 34-31 victory.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik had a very impressive game, completing 24 of 41 passes for 262 yards and four TDs. He linked up with Bryant Wesco for eight catches and 143 yards. Wesco is a key target and will be a crucial factor on Saturday. The Tigers definitely rely on their passing game, ranking 17th in the country in that category. Antonio Williams and Jake Briningstool are two other consistent options for Klubnik.
The signal-caller completed 63.7% of his passes for 3,303 yards and 33 touchdowns against just five interceptions in ‘24 and will need to be at his best here. Keep in mind, when Klubnik faced an elite defense in Georgia in Week 1, he managed to produce just three points. Texas is fantastic defensively as well. Klubnik has his work cut out for him and if he struggles, you can count on Clemson getting eliminated. The Tigers are a heavy underdog at online betting sites.
Texas looking for revenge
The Longhorns have just one thing on their minds – making up for last season’s exit in the CFP. Yes, they will have a much tougher road this time around after the tournament was expanded to 12 teams, but Steve Sarkisian’s group is legit. Texas finished with an 11-2 record and only had two losses – both to Georgia. The second one was a heartbreaker, coming in overtime in the SEC Championship.
Although the Quinn Ewers-led offense is great, the defense for the Longhorns is really what stands out. They allowed just 12.5 points per game this season, which is second in the country. Texas also ranked first in fewest passing yards allowed and third in fewest total yards allowed. Against South Carolina and Georgia, Clemson scored a combined 17 points. Both of those teams have top-notch defenses, but they’re not Texas.
Of course, Ewers and Co. need to put points on the board, but the key to victory for the Longhorns will be completely shutting down Klubnik and the Clemson offense. On paper, this is a game Texas should definitely win. If they do, a meeting with Arizona State will be up next. The hosts are a heavy 12-point favorite at Sports Interaction.
