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In the first round of the expanded College Football Playoff, No. 5 Texas capitalized on a dominant rushing performance and key defensive stops to defeat No. 12 Clemson 38-24 in front of a packed crowd at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. The Longhorns (12-2) now advance to the Peach Bowl, where they will face No. 4 Arizona State.
Setting the Tone with the Ground Game
Texas leaned heavily on its running game, amassing 292 yards on the ground at an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Jaydon Blue led the charge with 146 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-sealing 77-yard sprint in the fourth quarter that put the Longhorns up 38-24.
“Once I got past the line, I just kept running. I knew they weren’t going to catch me,” Blue said of his electrifying run.
Quintrevion Wisner complemented Blue’s effort with 110 yards and two first-half touchdowns, helping Texas establish control early.
Ewers Efficient, Defense Stands Tall
Quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered a poised performance, completing 17 of 24 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown. His first-half precision, highlighted by a 43-yard connection with Matthew Golden and a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Gunnar Helm, helped Texas build a commanding 28-10 halftime lead. Ewers’ ability to spread the ball efficiently kept Clemson’s defense on its heels and played a crucial role in the Longhorns' offensive success.
On the defensive side, Texas faced a strong challenge from Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns while completing 60% of his passes. Despite Klubnik’s late-game surge that cut Texas’ lead to 31-24, the Longhorns' defense delivered when it mattered most. A critical goal-line stand in the fourth quarter, featuring back-to-back stops at the 1-yard line, extinguished Clemson’s comeback hopes. Texas also tallied three sacks and seven tackles for loss, disrupting Clemson’s offensive rhythm and limiting their run game to just 76 yards on 24 attempts (3.2 yards per carry).
“Our defense has been our backbone all year, and they showed up again tonight when we needed them most,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said.
Initial Thoughts vs. Reality
Before the game, Clemson’s passing attack, led by Klubnik, was expected to challenge Texas' defense. While Klubnik showcased his talent with 336 passing yards and three touchdowns, the Longhorns’ ability to stifle Clemson’s run game and deliver timely defensive stops ultimately swung the game in Texas’ favor. Clemson’s reliance on the pass made their offense predictable, allowing Texas to key in on crucial late-game situations.
On the other hand, Texas’ rushing attack, identified pregame as a potential advantage, surpassed expectations. The Longhorns ran for 292 yards on 48 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. Jaydon Blue was electric with 146 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-sealing 77-yard burst in the fourth quarter. Quintrevion Wisner contributed 110 yards and two scores, while the offensive line consistently overpowered Clemson’s defensive front. Texas' dominant ground game not only controlled the tempo but also exposed Clemson's defensive weaknesses, cementing the Longhorns' victory.
Key Stats
Texas:
Jaydon Blue: 146 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Quintrevion Wisner: 110 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Quinn Ewers: 17/24, 202 yards, 1 TD
Gunnar Helm: 6 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD
Clemson:
Cade Klubnik: 26/43, 336 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Offense: 76 yards (3.2 YPC)
T.J. Moore: 7 receptions, 91 yards, 1 TD
What’s Next?
Texas moves on to face No. 4 Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day. The Longhorns will look to build on their dominant rushing performance as they aim for a spot in the semifinals.
For Clemson, the season ends with questions about its defensive front and how head coach Dabo Swinney can address the team’s struggles against physical rushing attacks. Despite the loss, the Tigers made strides in returning to the College Football Playoff and will look to build on this momentum next season.
In the first-ever on-campus CFP matchup for Texas, the Longhorns showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience, propelling them one step closer to a national championship.