Fifth-seeded Texas triumphed over 12th-seeded Clemson with a 38-24 victory in a first-round College Football Playoff game at Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The contest marked the first-ever meeting between these two nationally recognized football programs, and it turned out to be a compelling matchup, remaining competitive well into the second half. Clemson closed the gap to just seven points early in the fourth quarter, but Texas always seemed to have an answer. The Longhorns (12-2) dominated the ground game, finishing with 292 rushing yards on a mild, 60-degree afternoon in Austin.
While it was the first time Texas and Clemson faced each other in a playoff setting, the teams have only met once before in a bowl game. That previous encounter took place in the 2007 Holiday Bowl, where Texas emerged victorious with a 52-34 win over the Tigers. Back then, the Longhorns, led by stars Jamaal Charles and Colt McCoy, showcased their potential, setting the stage for a national championship pursuit the following season. The outcome of that Holiday Bowl victory was a key moment in Texas’ trajectory toward a national title, one that ultimately fell just short in 2009.
The road to the Playoff, and ultimately to a championship, has been far from smooth for Texas. In their inaugural season in the SEC and their second appearance in the College Football Playoff, the Longhorns have faced numerous challenges. There have been moments of inconsistency, especially during the back end of the regular season. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the country, Texas struggled with red zone execution. In their SEC Championship Game loss to Georgia earlier in the month, their rushing attack was practically nonexistent, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s ability to perform at the highest level.
Additionally, turnovers, protection issues, and injuries to key players have hindered the Longhorns’ ability to play to their full potential. The combination of these issues, paired with some unimpressive wins, led many to wonder whether Texas truly deserved its spot among the top teams. Despite these concerns, the Longhorns’ victory over Clemson in the Playoff serves as a testament to their resilience. They displayed the ability to bounce back when challenged, particularly in the face of adversity during critical moments in the game.
On the other side, Clemson’s loss to Texas marked the end of their season, but Coach Dabo Swinney seemed unbothered by the result. Swinney, known for his unwavering optimism and positive outlook, was seen leaving the locker room in surprisingly high spirits, reflecting on his team’s accomplishments rather than dwelling on the defeat. His demeanor was a reminder of his enduring confidence and leadership.
For Swinney, the Tigers’ appearance in the Playoff was nothing short of a victory in itself. No one expected Clemson to make the 12-team field, especially after suffering three losses during the regular season, including a disappointing defeat to archrival South Carolina. Yet, despite the setbacks, Clemson managed to claw their way back into the Playoff picture. They secured a spot by winning the ACC Championship, which demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. This unexpected playoff berth was a testament to the strength of the team and Swinney’s ability to motivate and guide his players through adversity.
The game against Texas proved to be a tough test for Clemson. They went toe-to-toe with one of the country’s elite teams, fighting until the very end despite the odds. For much of the game, the Tigers kept the score close, especially in the second half, where they made a push to narrow the gap. With the score at 31-24 and just under 10 minutes remaining in the game, Clemson had a chance to close in on the Longhorns. However, Texas’ offense, led by its powerful running game, was able to grind out the clock and stifle any hopes of a Clemson comeback. The Longhorns’ ability to control the ball late in the game and convert crucial third downs was a critical factor in their victory.
The key to Texas’ success in the game was their dominant rushing attack. Running back Jonathon Brooks was a standout performer, running for over 130 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Quinn Ewers contributed with both his arm and legs, adding another rushing touchdown to seal the win. This multifaceted approach to offense kept Clemson’s defense on its heels, unable to effectively stop the Texas run game or deal with Ewers’ mobility in the pocket. The Longhorns’ physicality and balanced offensive attack wore down the Clemson defense as the game wore on.
Clemson’s defense had no answers for Texas’ offensive line, which won the battle in the trenches. The Longhorns’ offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, creating running lanes for Brooks and allowing Ewers to remain relatively clean in the pocket. Texas’ ability to dominate the ground game and control the clock kept Clemson’s high-powered offense off the field for long stretches, limiting their opportunities to mount a comeback.
For Clemson, the loss marked the end of their Playoff run, but it didn’t overshadow their remarkable journey to get there. Coach Swinney was quick to praise his team’s effort and the unexpected nature of their Playoff appearance. Although the Tigers didn’t come away with a victory, they proved that they belonged among the nation’s elite teams, and their ability to compete with Texas showed that they could be a force to be reckoned with in the future. The loss to Texas may have ended their season, but it served as a stepping stone for future growth.
As for Texas, the victory was a crucial step toward their ultimate goal: a national championship. The Longhorns now look ahead to the next round of the College Football Playoff, where they will face even tougher competition. With their dominant rushing attack, improved offensive execution, and solid defense, Texas has positioned itself as a legitimate contender. But to capture the title, they will need to continue improving, addressing their past inconsistencies, and staying focused on the road ahead.
Saturday’s win over Clemson not only showcased the Longhorns’ ability to rise to the occasion but also underscored the unpredictable nature of college football. Texas’ performance in the first round of the Playoff was a statement that they have the talent and determination to go all the way, but the journey is far from over. The upcoming rounds will be a true test of their mettle as they aim to secure their first national title since 2005.
