Will Texas play on Saturday? The Longhorns' College Football Playoff schedule
Texas Football Takes a Breather Before Playoff Action
While there will be exciting college football games on Saturday, fans of Texas Longhorns football will have to wait a bit longer to see their team back in action. Following a grueling loss to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship game, Texas has some much-needed time off to recover, both physically and mentally. Their next challenge comes on December 21, when they face Clemson in the opening round of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.
A Welcome Break Before the Playoff Run
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian views the extended break as a mixed blessing. While he appreciates the time to prepare and recuperate, he acknowledged that having earned a first-round bye would have been even more beneficial.
“I’d love to get us as healthy as possible,” Sarkisian said earlier this week. “But the reality is, no one is 100% at this stage of the season. Everyone’s dealing with bumps and bruises.”
The Longhorns are certainly no exception. They played against Georgia without their standout left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who was sidelined by a left ankle injury. Banks, recently named to the All-SEC first team, is a critical piece of the Longhorns’ offensive line and is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Texas will also be looking to have wide receiver Isaiah Bond and quarterback Quinn Ewers as close to full strength as possible before taking the field against Clemson.
Texas’ Road Ahead in the College Football Playoff
Currently ranked as the fifth seed, Texas will face 12th-seeded Clemson in the first round of the playoff. A victory in that matchup would set the stage for a showdown with fourth-seeded Arizona State in the quarterfinals at the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day. If the Longhorns advance past Arizona State, they’ll head to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl semifinal on January 10, with the ultimate goal of competing in the national championship game on January 20 in Atlanta.
Texas’ first playoff opponent, Clemson, is led by quarterback Cade Klubnik. The sophomore has ties to Austin, Texas, as a graduate of Westlake High School, where he achieved a storied high school career. Notably, Klubnik led Westlake to a state championship victory over Quinn Ewers and Southlake Carroll in the 2021 UIL Texas high school football playoffs.
A Stellar Regular Season With a Few Hiccups
The Longhorns have had an impressive 2023 season, finishing with an 11-2 record. They began their campaign with an emphatic 52-0 shutout of Colorado State on August 31, setting the tone for a dominant opening stretch. Other highlights of the regular season included victories over Michigan, UTSA, and Mississippi State.
However, the Longhorns stumbled in their October 19 matchup against Georgia, losing 30-15. This game served as a prelude to their rematch in the SEC Championship, where Texas fell short again in a close 22-19 contest.
Despite these setbacks, Texas showed resilience, securing key wins over Florida, Arkansas, and Kentucky before finishing the regular season with a 17-7 victory over rival Texas A&M.
Here’s a breakdown of the Longhorns’ 2023 schedule and results:
- Aug. 31: Defeated Colorado State, 52-0
- Sept. 7: Defeated Michigan, 31-12
- Sept. 14: Defeated UTSA, 56-7
- Sept. 21: Defeated ULM, 51-3
- Sept. 28: Defeated Mississippi State, 35-13
- Oct. 12: Defeated Oklahoma, 34-3
- Oct. 19: Lost to Georgia, 30-15
- Oct. 26: Defeated Vanderbilt, 27-24
- Nov. 9: Defeated Florida, 49-17
- Nov. 16: Defeated Arkansas, 20-10
- Nov. 23: Defeated Kentucky, 31-14
- Nov. 30: Defeated Texas A&M, 17-7
- Dec. 7: Lost to Georgia, 22-19 (SEC Championship Game)
Key Players and Injury Updates
A crucial factor in Texas’ playoff success will be the health of their roster. Kelvin Banks Jr., their elite left tackle, is an integral part of the Longhorns’ offensive strategy. With his All-SEC honors and projected NFL potential, Banks’ presence on the field could significantly impact their chances against Clemson and beyond.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers has also had a standout season, displaying both consistency and resilience. However, injuries have occasionally hampered his performance. Wide receiver Isaiah Bond, another key offensive weapon, is similarly vital to Texas’ passing attack. The coaching staff will be working hard during this break to ensure these players are ready for the rigors of postseason play.
Facing a Familiar Foe in Clemson
The matchup against Clemson brings an intriguing storyline, as Cade Klubnik returns to Texas soil. Klubnik’s high school success at Westlake has already cemented his name in Texas football lore. Now, as the leader of Clemson’s offense, he will face off against the Longhorns in what promises to be a compelling clash.
Clemson’s season has had its ups and downs, but Klubnik’s leadership and ability to perform under pressure make them a dangerous opponent. Sarkisian and his staff will undoubtedly be studying film to find weaknesses in Clemson’s game plan while preparing their own team for this critical test.
The Bigger Picture: Texas’ Championship Aspirations
The Longhorns are aiming high this postseason, with their eyes set on a national championship. The expanded playoff format offers new opportunities, but it also brings added challenges, as teams must navigate an additional round to reach the ultimate prize.
For Texas, success in the playoff will require not only top-tier performances from star players like Ewers and Banks but also strategic excellence from Sarkisian and his coaching staff. The break between the SEC Championship and the playoff opener will be a crucial time for the Longhorns to fine-tune their game plan and recover from the physical toll of the regular season.
Final Thoughts
As Texas prepares for its playoff journey, fans can reflect on a season filled with memorable moments and significant achievements. Despite a couple of setbacks, the Longhorns have proven themselves as one of the top teams in the nation, earning their place in the College Football Playoff.
The Dec. 21 matchup against Clemson marks the start of what Texas hopes will be a historic postseason run. With a mix of seasoned veterans, emerging stars, and a dedicated coaching staff, the Longhorns are poised to make their mark on college football’s biggest stage.
