Live Updates for Texas Football vs. Clemson: The Longhorns Head to the College Football Playoffs

The 2024 college football season has been filled with drama, close calls, and exceptional performances, but none have been more anticipated than the showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers. This game marks a pivotal moment for Texas, as they take the field in the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time in several years. After a remarkable regular season, the Longhorns find themselves on the brink of securing a championship run, but they will face a formidable opponent in Clemson, a perennial powerhouse in college football.

This article will provide live updates, score tracking, and key takeaways as we follow the Texas vs. Clemson battle in the CFP. With both teams bringing high-powered offenses and elite defenses to the table, fans are in for an exciting, hard-fought contest.

Pre-game Overview: Texas’ Rise to Glory

The Longhorns have made a significant leap in recent seasons, reclaiming their spot among college football’s elite. After an up-and-down stretch following their 2009 national title game appearance, Texas rebounded in 2024, achieving an impressive regular-season record. Behind the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have not only found consistency but have also showcased a dynamic, explosive offense led by star quarterback Quinn Ewers.

Ewers, a former five-star recruit, has emerged as one of the nation’s premier quarterbacks, making clutch throws, leading comeback victories, and showing the poise of a seasoned veteran. Alongside Ewers, Texas has a deep and talented roster, with standout performances from running back Jonathon Brooks and wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who have been consistent playmakers all season. This offensive juggernaut has the ability to challenge even the best defenses.

Defensively, Texas has made significant strides under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. With playmakers like linebacker Jaylan Ford and cornerback Terrance Brooks, Texas has built one of the most well-rounded defenses in the country. The Longhorns have proved they can shut down both high-octane offenses and teams that rely on ground-and-pound strategies.

Clemson’s Resilience and Legacy

Clemson, under the leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney, has become one of the most respected programs in college football. The Tigers have consistently been in the CFP mix and have a remarkable history, including two national championships in the last decade. Although they have faced some challenges in recent years, including quarterback turnover and the loss of several key players, Clemson’s culture of winning has remained intact.

This season, the Tigers have relied heavily on their strong defense, with defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin building one of the toughest units in the country. Players like linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive tackle Tyler Davis are known for their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers. Offensively, Clemson has seen the emergence of quarterback Cade Klubnik, a former five-star recruit who has shown flashes of brilliance in big moments. Klubnik has grown into the role, and his performance in this game will be crucial for the Tigers if they are to continue their playoff aspirations.

While Clemson is often associated with its offensive firepower, the Tigers’ defense will likely be the deciding factor against Texas. If they can slow down the Longhorns’ fast-paced attack, Clemson has the pieces to pull off an upset. However, Texas’ offense has been in such good form that it will take a monumental effort to contain them.

Game Start: The Road to the Playoffs

As the game kicks off, both teams bring their A-game to the field. For Texas, the goal is clear: keep the offense in rhythm, limit mistakes, and execute on defense. For Clemson, their defense will need to prove they can stifle the Longhorns’ offensive juggernaut while giving Klubnik enough time to make plays and keep up on the scoreboard.

The first quarter begins with a fast-paced tempo, as expected. Texas is quickly in rhythm with Ewers throwing several impressive passes to wide receivers Worthy and Jordan Whittington. On the other side, Clemson’s defense is not backing down, making timely stops and forcing Texas to settle for a field goal on their opening drive. Clemson responds with a strong series, but Texas’ defense, led by Ford, tightens up in the red zone and forces a turnover on downs.

Live Updates

First Quarter:

• Texas 3-0 Clemson: Texas strikes first with a field goal after a strong opening drive, but Clemson’s defense forces them into a longer third down, preventing a touchdown.
• Clemson Possession: Clemson gets their first opportunity on offense but is unable to find a rhythm as the Texas defensive line, led by T’Vondre Sweat, pressures Klubnik early.

Second Quarter:

• Texas 10-0 Clemson: Texas capitalizes on a well-timed throw from Quinn Ewers to Xavier Worthy, who takes it for a 45-yard touchdown. The Longhorns’ offense is clicking, and they look dangerous early on.
• Clemson 10-7 Texas: Clemson answers back with a well-executed drive, with Klubnik connecting on a 30-yard pass to tight end Jake Briningstool for a touchdown. The Tigers are staying in it, and the momentum seems to be shifting.
• Texas 13-7 Clemson: A field goal by Texas late in the half gives the Longhorns a six-point advantage.

As the first half ends, the two teams head to the locker room with Texas holding a slight lead. The game is shaping up to be a battle of offense versus defense, and whichever side can impose their style will likely come out on top.

Second Half: The Tide Shifts

Third Quarter:

• Texas 16-7 Clemson: Texas extends their lead with another field goal early in the third quarter. Clemson is unable to get much going offensively, and the Longhorns’ defense seems to be wearing them down.
• Clemson 13-16 Texas: Clemson struggles on offense but finally finds success with a 50-yard run from Will Shipley, setting up a touchdown pass to wide receiver Antonio Williams to make it a one-point game.

Fourth Quarter:

• Texas 23-13 Clemson: With the game on the line, Quinn Ewers connects with Xavier Worthy for another long touchdown, this time for 55 yards, putting the Longhorns up by 10 points. The Texas defense locks in for the final stretch, forcing a Clemson turnover on downs and then running out the clock to secure the victory.

Final Score: Texas 23, Clemson 13

In a hard-fought battle, the Texas Longhorns pull away in the second half to defeat the Clemson Tigers 23-13. The victory secures Texas’ spot in the College Football Playoff final, where they will face one of the top teams in the country for a chance at the national championship.

Key Takeaways:

• Quinn Ewers was brilliant, with over 300 yards passing and two touchdown throws, showing why he is one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
• Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington were key targets in the Longhorns’ offense, providing big plays when needed.
• Texas Defense was the unsung hero, especially in the second half. Jaylan Ford and T’Vondre Sweat dominated up front, while the secondary shut down Clemson’s passing game.
• Clemson’s defense was solid but ultimately could not contain the explosive Texas offense, which had a perfect balance of run and pass.

Texas’ win sets the stage for an exciting College Football Playoff, where they’ll have the chance to claim the ultimate prize in college football.