Texas Triumphs Over Clemson to Secure Spot in CFP Quarterfinals
In a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Texas Longhorns managed to fend off a determined Clemson Tigers team to advance to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. The game, held in Austin, Texas, was a testament to the grit and determination of both teams, but ultimately, it was Texas that emerged victorious with a 38-24 win.
Leading the charge for Texas was Jaydon Blue, who put on a spectacular performance with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His standout moment came in the fourth quarter with a breathtaking 77-yard touchdown run that sealed the deal for the Longhorns. This electrifying play came just in time, as Clemson had mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to 31-24 after Cade Klubnik threw his third touchdown pass of the game.
With this victory, Texas (12-2) has earned a spot in the Jan. 1 Peach Bowl, where they will face off against Big 12 champion Arizona State. The Longhorns are entering this matchup as a 13.5-point favorite, according to ESPN BET, and fans are eagerly anticipating another strong performance from the team.
Blue’s first touchdown of the game was a 38-yard dash in the second quarter, showcasing his agility and speed. On his second touchdown, he demonstrated his resilience by diving into the line, shaking off a tackler, and outrunning three more defenders to reach the end zone with just 11 minutes left on the clock.
Adding to Texas’s offensive prowess was Quintrevion Wisner, who contributed 110 rushing yards and two first-half touchdowns. Meanwhile, quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 202 yards and a touchdown, further solidifying Texas’s offensive dominance.
On the other side of the field, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, an Austin native, put up a valiant effort with 336 passing yards, rallying the Tigers (10-4) in the second half. This was no small feat against a Texas defense that had only allowed four passing touchdowns all season.
Takeaways
- Clemson: The Tigers had several critical fourth-down opportunities in the fourth quarter. They capitalized on the first one with a touchdown pass from Klubnik to T.J. Moore. However, they fell short on the next two attempts. Keith Adams Jr. was stopped at the Texas 1-yard line, and Klubnik’s pass at the Texas 26-yard line was incomplete with just over a minute remaining.
- Texas: The Longhorns faced some injury concerns that could impact their future games. Wisner, starting offensive tackle Cam Williams, and center Jake Majors all left the field during the second quarter. Wisner managed to return for a few carries in the second half, but Williams and Majors did not return.
Up Next
Looking ahead, Clemson will aim to defend its ACC title next season and secure its eighth playoff berth. Meanwhile, Texas is gearing up to face Arizona State in the next round. It’s worth noting that Texas left the Big 12 before Arizona State joined the league this season, adding an interesting dynamic to their upcoming matchup.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
