For the first time in school history, the Texas Longhorns hosted a College Football Playoff game on Saturday. Standing in their way was the 16th-ranked Clemson Tigers who, led by Cade Klubnik, were looking to pull off a major upset on the road. After a late comeback attempt by the Tigers, it was Texas who was able to run their way to a 38-24 victory in the hands of Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner.
Things did not get off to a hot start in Austin. For just the second time this season, the Longhorns allowed an opening drive touchdown on defense. At the quarterback position, Cade Klubnik marched his team down the field with ease, ultimately finding Antonio Williams on a 20-yard touchdown pass. After a season-long journey of facing rookie or backup quarterbacks, this game was going to be different.
However, in the first round of the playoff, it was the Texas running backs that ultimately had the final say. In the first half alone, Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue combined for three touchdowns. It was just a couple of weeks ago that the Longhorns were only able to muster 31 yards rushing in the SEC Championship game. Tonight, the team tallied 292 yards on the ground. Additionally, with 10:48 left in the game, it was Blue who called game with a massive 77-yard touchdown rush. At the time, Clemson had cut Texas’ lead to 31-24 but Blue’s rush gave Texas the cushion it needed late.
After leaning on the running game, Texas led Clemson 28-10 at the half. Afterwards, the Longhorns held onto the ball for nearly seven minutes to start the second half. Unfortunately for Texas, it was the third quarter when Clemson started to come alive again offensively. After halftime, Klubnik threw for two touchdown passes, bringing the Tigers within one score of the Longhorns.
But, similar to all year, the Texas defense stepped up when it needed to. With one last chance of making things interesting late, the Longhorns defense stopped Clemson on fourth down at the goal line. Not only did the defensive stop secure a 38-24 win, it also secured a date with the Arizona State.
On New Year’s, the Longhorns will travel to Atlanta to take on the Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl. Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for noon (ET) in a game which will air on ESPN. If the Longhorns were to advance, they would play the winner of Ohio State versus Oregon.
