The Texas Longhorns emphatically vanquished the lingering disappointment of their SEC Championship Game loss with a resounding 38-24 victory over the 12th-seeded Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The win, secured on their home turf, propels the fifth-seeded Longhorns to the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day where they will face the Big 12 champion Arizona State Sun Devils. This victory continues a trend in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format, with home teams maintaining a perfect 3-0 record and covering the spread in each game.
The game unfolded as a tale of two halves, with Texas dominating the second and third quarters after Clemson drew first blood with an opening touchdown. The Longhorns orchestrated a powerful 31-3 scoring run, seemingly putting the game out of reach for the ACC champion Tigers. However, Clemson’s resilience shone through in the final quarter, as they clawed back with 14 unanswered points, narrowing the gap to a mere seven points and injecting a renewed sense of drama into the contest. This resurgence was fueled by a crucial defensive stand, halting Texas on a pivotal fourth-and-2 situation deep in Clemson territory.
Just as the momentum seemed to be shifting decisively in Clemson’s favor, Texas running back Jaydon Blue delivered a game-breaking play. His electrifying 77-yard touchdown run not only re-established a two-touchdown cushion for the Longhorns but also effectively deflated Clemson’s comeback hopes. Despite a valiant effort by the Tigers to mount another drive, their aspirations were ultimately extinguished when they were stopped short on a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. A final, desperate attempt to regain possession with 1:43 remaining proved futile, allowing Texas to run out the clock and secure their hard-fought victory.
The offensive performances of both teams showcased a blend of aerial and ground attacks. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers displayed efficiency, completing 17 of 24 passes for 202 yards. The Longhorns’ running game, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner, proved particularly potent, accumulating 256 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik put up impressive numbers through the air, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns, completing 26 of 43 attempts. Receiver T.J. Moore was Klubnik’s primary target, leading all receivers with nine receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Texas’ victory sets the stage for an intriguing Peach Bowl matchup against Arizona State. The Sun Devils, having secured the Big 12 title and a first-round bye, will present a formidable challenge for the Longhorns. This clash of conference champions promises a high-stakes contest, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round of the College Football Playoff. The game will be a critical test for Texas, providing an opportunity to solidify their status as a national powerhouse and continue their pursuit of a national championship.
The first round of the expanded College Football Playoff has delivered on its promise of heightened excitement and competitive matchups. The 3-0 record for home teams underscores the advantage of playing on familiar turf in high-pressure situations. While the sample size is still small, this trend suggests that home-field advantage may play a significant role in the new format. The final first-round game between Tennessee and Ohio State in Columbus will provide further insight into this dynamic and set the stage for the next round of playoff action. The expansion to a 12-team format has injected a fresh wave of energy into college football’s postseason, promising more thrilling games and compelling storylines as the season reaches its climax.
