The Clemson Tigers’ defense is set to face a formidable challenge against the Texas Longhorns’ dynamic run game in the upcoming College Football Playoff. Texas has demonstrated a proficiency in exploiting defensive vulnerabilities, particularly through their well-honed outside zone running scheme. According to Pro Football Focus analysts Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick, this aspect of Texas’ game plan could pose a serious threat to Clemson. “A significant portion of Texas’ ground game relies on winning on the outside. The Longhorns have run outside zone plays 137 times this season, ranking eighth in the Power Four,” the analysts noted. “Meanwhile, Clemson has struggled to maintain containment, allowing six yards per carry on outside zone runs—the sixth-most in the Power Four.”
The Longhorns’ success on the ground is largely due to their elite offensive tackle duo. Kelvin Banks Jr., manning the left side, is among the nation’s top tackles. Known primarily for his pass-blocking prowess, Banks has also excelled in creating running lanes. On the opposite side, Cameron Williams has been a solid contributor as well. While he may not match Banks’ level, Williams’ performance remains above average.
Despite Texas’ reputation for having an elite passing offense, their ground game remains a potent weapon. The Longhorns average 4.5 yards per carry and accumulate 164.4 rushing yards per game. Their backfield rotation features three running backs, all of whom have enjoyed comparable success this season.
Tre Wisner leads the Longhorns’ rushing attack with 863 yards and three touchdowns. Jaydon Blue has contributed 564 yards and six touchdowns, while Jerrick Gibson has added 342 yards and four touchdowns. Notably, all three backs average around five yards per carry, making them consistent threats on the ground. Additionally, both Wisner and Blue are versatile enough to make an impact in the passing game.
For the past few weeks, Wisner has emerged as the featured back, and his style of play could prove particularly troublesome for Clemson. Historically, the Tigers have struggled to contain agile, receiving-oriented backs more than power runners. This issue stems from the composition of their defensive line, which prioritizes size over athleticism, and from their linebackers, who have had difficulty containing runs that reach the second level.
Clemson’s defensive struggles are evident in their statistics. The Tigers allow an average of 150.5 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. These numbers align closely with Texas’ offensive production, suggesting that if both teams perform to their averages, the Longhorns could hold a slight edge on the ground.
The Tigers’ secondary, however, is a strength that could provide some relief. Their strong pass defense allows Clemson to focus additional resources on addressing their issues in the trenches during preparation for this matchup. That said, making significant improvements in the trenches is no small feat, and Clemson will need to devise creative strategies to counter Texas’ offensive line and ground game.
The Longhorns’ offensive line, anchored by Banks and Williams, plays a crucial role in their success. Banks’ ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes makes him a dual-threat asset. Williams, while slightly less dominant, complements Banks effectively, ensuring the line remains a cohesive unit. Together, they form the backbone of a running game that can challenge even the toughest defenses.
In addition to their strong running game, Texas’ passing attack adds another layer of complexity for Clemson to navigate. The Longhorns’ ability to balance their offensive approach forces opponents to remain vigilant against multiple threats. This versatility could further strain Clemson’s defense, particularly if they struggle to contain the outside runs that Texas executes so well.
Clemson’s defensive woes against outside zone runs highlight a broader issue: their inability to adapt to opponents who excel in exploiting the edges. This weakness could be exacerbated by Texas’ disciplined approach and the skill of their offensive line. The Tigers’ linebackers will need to step up and play a pivotal role in preventing Texas from gaining significant yardage on the ground.
Looking at individual matchups, Tre Wisner’s agility and receiving skills make him a key player to watch. His ability to capitalize on open space and turn short gains into explosive plays could be a game-changer. Jaydon Blue’s dual-threat capabilities add another dimension to Texas’ offense, while Jerrick Gibson provides depth and reliability.
For Clemson, addressing these challenges will require a multifaceted approach. The Tigers must focus on improving their containment strategies and finding ways to disrupt Texas’ offensive rhythm. This could involve adjusting their defensive alignments, employing more aggressive blitz packages, or prioritizing gap discipline to limit the effectiveness of outside zone runs.
While Clemson’s defensive line has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency remains an issue. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage will be critical in determining the outcome of this matchup. If the Tigers can force Texas into unfavorable down-and-distance situations, they may be able to neutralize the Longhorns’ ground game and put more pressure on their passing attack.
Despite the challenges, Clemson’s secondary provides a glimmer of hope. The Tigers’ ability to defend against the pass could allow them to allocate additional resources to stopping the run. However, this strategy carries its own risks, as it could leave the secondary vulnerable to Texas’ explosive passing plays.
In preparation for this high-stakes matchup, Clemson’s coaching staff will need to emphasize discipline and execution. The Tigers cannot afford to make costly mistakes or miss assignments, as the Longhorns are adept at capitalizing on defensive lapses. Ensuring that players maintain their responsibilities and communicate effectively will be essential.
Ultimately, this game could come down to which team executes their game plan more effectively. If Texas can establish their outside zone running game early and force Clemson to play catch-up, the Longhorns will be in a strong position to advance. Conversely, if Clemson’s defense can rise to the occasion and disrupt Texas’ rhythm, the Tigers could turn the tide in their favor.
The Clemson Tigers face a daunting challenge in their quest to advance in the College Football Playoff. Their ability to adapt and overcome their defensive vulnerabilities will be put to the test against a Texas Longhorns team that thrives on exploiting weaknesses. With so much at stake, this matchup promises to be a thrilling battle between two talented teams.
