It’s one of the highly anticipated games of the CFP as two powerhouse programs with rich football traditions clash in the first round. 3-time national champions, the Clemson Tigers battling the four-time champs, the Texas Longhorns.
Texas Longhorns
Team Overview:
Texas has been a program in resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and they have one of the most talented rosters in college football. The Longhorns have had a solid offense, featuring Quinn Ewers and skilled playmakers on the outside. The defense has also been improving, thanks to some strong recruiting and player development.
Key Strengths:
○ Offensive Balance: Texas has a solid running game and a powerful passing attack with the talented Quinn Ewers at quarterback.
○ Defense: The Longhorns have been playing strong defense, especially up front. Their defensive line can pressure quarterbacks, and they have good coverage in the secondary.
○ Special Teams: Texas is generally strong in special teams play, often giving them good field position and opportunities.
Recent Playoff History:
Texas has had limited success in the CFP era, but they have been building a strong foundation with the recruiting classes under Sarkisian. Their performance in a potential CFP game would be a statement of where they are in terms of national title contention.
Clemson Tigers:
Team Overview:
Clemson, under head coach Dabo Swinney, has been one of the most consistent programs in college football since the mid-2010s. While they might not have been as dominant in recent years, they still boast a strong roster, particularly on defense, and have one of the best coaching staffs in the country.
Key Strengths:
○ Defense: Clemson’s defense is always elite. They have strong linebackers, a formidable defensive line, and a secondary that can lock down passing attacks. Players like Barrett Carter and Peter Woods make their defense a tough unit to crack.
○ Quarterback Play: After the departure of Trevor Lawrence, Clemson has been working through some quarterback inconsistency, but Cade Klubnik has taken over and shown promise. How well Clemson’s offense performs would depend heavily on the quarterback position.
○ Special Teams and Coaching: Dabo Swinney’s coaching, especially in big games, has been outstanding. The Tigers are known for being well-prepared and executing their game plans.
Recent Playoff History:
Clemson has made several appearances in the CFP since its inception, winning two national titles in 2016 and 2018. Although their dominance has waned in recent years, they remain a top contender in the ACC and a threat in any postseason matchup.
Prediction:
If Texas can capitalize on their offensive weapons and sustain drives while limiting Clemson’s defense, they should cruise to a victory. The combination of a balanced offense and improving defense gives them the edge. The Longhorns should be able to make more plays than the Tigers and advance to the next round. Texas 34, Clemson 27
Game Betting Odds
Clemson +11.5 (-110)
Texas -11.5 (-110)
Total: 51.5 Moneyline:
Clemson +325, Texas -425
