Live Notes from No. 16 Clemson vs No. 3 Texas

Follow along as our Devon Messinger jots down notes from today’s first round College Football Playoff matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers.

First Quarter:

On the first drive of the ball game, Cade Klubnik and the Clemson offense came out of the gates firing. Multiple quick passes moved the Clemson offense 75-yards down the field and was capped with a 20-yard touchdown throw from Klubnik to Antonio Williams. However, the Tigers got away with a potential pass interference as their wide receiver got away with a pick play on the score.

To answer, Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns marched down the field just as fast. Ewers looked confident in the pocket, firing a couple of quick passing plays that went for first downs. Ultimately, Quintrevion Wisner finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown rush.

Second Quarter:

The Longhorn offense is creating movement at the line of scrimmage. With 14 minutes left in the second quarter, Quintrevion Wisner has already rushed for more yards than he did in the SEC Championship Game. However, it was running mate Jaydon Blue who found the end zone on a 38-yard touchdown rush. If Texas continues to run like they have so far, they will be putting a lot of pressure on the Clemson offense to respond.

On defense, the Longhorns have been utilizing a quarterback spy on Cade Klubnik. With the Clemson quarterback’s ability to run the football, this should come as no surprise. If Klubnik is able to get involved in the running game, watch out.

Offensively, the Longhorns offensive line is feasting. Through a quarter and a half of play, they have given Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue massive running lanes. As a result, the running backs have been able to combine for three first half touchdowns.

Well, disaster finally strikes. Both Cameron Williams and Quintrevion Wisner are injured on a screen pass. Then, a Ewers pass is dropped by DeAndre Moore and intercepted. On the play, Jake Majors is injured on a blindside block. It just seems like every time the Longhorns are a drive away from the kill shot, they have been unable to do so this season.

What a way to end the half. With less than a minute left of action, Quinn Ewers found Gunnar Helm in the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown pass. When the clock struck zero, Texas led Clemson 28-10 at the break.

Third Quarter:

After a nearly seven minute drive, Texas started the second half with a field goal. While the offense was able to march to the doorstep of the end zone, they were unable to punch it in. However, a scoring drive to start the half is what Texas needs to once again create some distance.

With 3:29 left in the third quarter, Cade Klubnik cut Texas’ lead with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Green. If the Longhorns can answer with a touchdown of their own, this game will be all but over.

Fourth Quarter:

And, just like that, the game got close. As mentioned in this week’s preview video, Cade Klubnik gets better with pressure. If you do not shut the door on him, he will wreak havoc. And, that is exactly what the Longhorns did as Klubnik found receiver TJ Moore on a seven-yard touchdown pass, making this a one score game.

Do you believe in miracles? Well, Jaydon Blue does. The Texas running back gashed the Clemson defense for 77-yards on a much-needed touchdown play for the Longhorns. With that, Texas leads Clemson by two scores with 10:48 left.