Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is gearing up for an exciting match as the No. 12 seed Tigers (10-3) prepare to face off against the No. 5 seed Texas Longhorns (11-2) in the College Football Playoff. The game is set for December 21 at 4 p.m. ET in Austin, Texas, and the winner will advance to play the No. 4 seed Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on January 1, 2024.
This marks only Swinney’s third visit to the Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. His first trip was in February 2009, shortly after he was appointed as Clemson’s head coach, when he sought insights from then-Texas coach Mack Brown. His second visit was to watch future Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik in a Texas high school playoff game. Now, Swinney looks to secure a playoff victory following an exciting last-minute win over SMU in the ACC championship.
Swinney expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming game, describing the stadium as a “magical historic place.” He acknowledged that he hasn’t delved deeply into Texas yet but holds great respect for Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian, especially after Texas’s previous success in the College Football Playoff.
The matchup will have personal significance for seven Clemson players from Texas, including freshman standout Klubnik and safety R.J. Mickens. Notably, Texas defensive back Andrew Mukuba, who transferred from Clemson last year, will also be on the field, making it a significant reunion.
Sarkisian mentioned his first encounter with Swinney during a high school basketball game in Alabama, noting how special it is for both teams to compete for the first time ever in this setting. He recognized Clemson as a powerhouse in college football and acknowledged the impressive resume Swinney has built with his program.
As the game approaches, analysts give Clemson a 15.6% chance of winning against Texas, which is the lowest among the first-round playoff matchups. Despite this statistic, both teams are bringing their best to this historic playoff opportunity.
This game represents not only a chance for both teams to showcase their talent but also a moment to bring together players, coaches, and fans to experience the thrill of college football at its highest level. The future remains bright for both programs, and the encounter promises to deliver excitement and memorable moments for everyone involved.