The first of two high-profile playoff matchups is set for Saturday afternoon at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, where SEC runner-up Texas faces off against ACC champion Clemson.
Texas concluded the season with an impressive 11-0 record against opponents outside of Georgia. However, two defeats to the Bulldogs – one during the regular season at home and another in the SEC Championship – have placed Texas just shy of securing a first-round bye. The Longhorns have shown remarkable improvement as the season progressed, particularly on the defensive side, highlighted by an outstanding performance in their final regular-season game where they held Texas A&M scoreless in terms of offensive touchdowns. Additionally, quarterback Quinn Ewers is on the mend from a right ankle injury. When fully healthy, he is considered one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the nation.
Clemson, despite finishing the year ranked 16th in the final College Football Playoff rankings, has clinched a playoff position, thanks in part to their ACC championship title. This marks their return to playoff action for the first time since 2020. The team is led by seasoned quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has thrown for 42 total touchdowns, ranking third nationally. A vital factor for Clemson’s success has been their strong performance in turnovers, boasting a +16 turnover margin, which is the second-best in the country.
In summary, this playoff matchup presents an intriguing clash of strong offenses and robust defenses. Texas aims to capitalize on their defensive prowess and a healthy Ewers, while Clemson looks to leverage their experienced quarterback and exceptional turnover margin. Both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting postseason battle, showcasing their ability and dedication on the national stage.
Overall, this game offers much to look forward to, as both teams bring their unique strengths to the field, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff round.