Clemson University’s football team has earned the No. 12 seed in the College Football Playoff (CFP) and will take on the No. 5 ranked Texas Longhorns in the first round. The matchup is set to take place on December 21 at 4 p.m. ET at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. The winner of this encounter will advance to face No. 4 seed Arizona State, the champions of the Big 12.
Clemson secured its spot in the CFP following a thrilling 34-31 victory over SMU in the ACC Championship, held on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Freshman kicker Nolan Hauser made history by kicking a 56-yard field goal, setting a new ACC championship record, which ultimately propelled Clemson to the CFP for the seventh time in program history.
In terms of the game dynamics, Texas comes into this matchup strong, having only lost twice this season, both to Georgia, while boasting a significant home-field advantage with over 100,000 fans expected. Clemson, meanwhile, has faced challenges against SEC teams this season, holding a record of 0-2 against them.
According to current odds from BetMGM, Clemson is a 10.5-point underdog against Texas, with an over/under set at 52.5. The potential high-stakes nature of this game could lead to an exciting showdown, as both programs aim to continue their journey in the playoffs.
Clemson’s path to the CFP is a testament to their resilience and determination, especially highlighted by their recent championship win. The team’s first meeting with Texas adds an element of intrigue to this matchup, as both teams have their sights set on advancing in the playoffs.
Overall, while facing a formidable opponent in Texas, Clemson’s recent performance demonstrates they have the capability to compete at the highest level. Fans can look forward to an engaging contest that could highlight the Tigers’ growth and potential for making a deeper playoff run.
As the college football season reaches its climax, the excitement surrounding the CFP provides a hopeful outlook for Clemson, who have an opportunity to showcase their skills and prove naysayers wrong. The stage is set for the Tigers to make a statement in Austin.