The Texas Longhorns put on quite the show as they faced off against the Clemson Tigers at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024. With the roar of over 101,000 fans behind them, Texas emerged victorious with a solid 38-24 win, marking their advancement to the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals.
From the get-go, the game seemed to be set up as one full of competitive football. The aura was electric when the Tigers, seeded 12th, scored first on the opening drive with Cade Klubnik, their quarterback and Austin native, throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass. This early surge left Texas trailing 7-0, with the crowd holding its breath.
But this wasn’t just any Texas team. Responding quickly, the Longhorns led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, orchestrated their own scoring drive. A 12-play, 75-yard drive concluded with Quintrevion Wisner finding the end zone on a 3-yard rushing touchdown. The capacity crowd erupted, and the tide turned from there.
The second quarter saw Texas truly come alive. Following their initial touchdown, the Longhorns dominated, executing perfectly with back-to-back touchdown runs, including a jaw-dropping 38-yarder from Jaydon Blue. By the end of the first half, Texas found themselves comfortably positioned with a commanding 28-10 lead and had displayed relentless dominance on the ground.
Heading to halftime, the Longhorns had amassed 148 rushing yards, leaving the Tigers' defense struggling to regain their footing. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian remarked, "We committed to it. I thought we blocked things really well, the runners trusted it..." – emphasizing their focus on the run game which proved to be the backbone of their offense throughout the contest.
The second half began with Clemson showing resilience. Klubnik and his team came out fighting, implementing precise passing plays and driving 74 yards down the field, narrowing Texas’s commanding lead to just seven points with 11:43 left on the clock. Texas, though pressured, never wavered.
Just when Clemson seemed ready to potentially turn the game around, Blue dashed any hopes for the Tigers with a spectacular 77-yard bolt to the end zone, extending the Longhorns’ lead to 38-24. It was the cherry on top of a remarkable performance for Blue, who rushed for 146 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Despite trailing at their stadium and watching their playoff dreams slip through their fingers, Clemson refused to go quietly. Klubnik, who ended the game with 336 passing yards, showcased his skills by leading another impressive drive, but he faced formidable resistance when it came down to crunch time against Texas' relentless defense.
Specifically, the Longhorns' defense stepped up during pivotal moments, stalling the Tigers on two consecutive drives at the 1-yard line. On both occasions, defensive linemen Bill Norton and Barryn Sorrell glued themselves to their spots and stopped Clemson just short of the goal line; it was not just a defensive stand but a statement.
Head coach Dabo Swinney praised his team, stating, "We put ourselves in a position to win," as he reflected on the game. Despite the defeat, the Tigers showed commendable spirit, battling valiantly after being down by three touchdowns.
The night ended with Texas celebrating their triumph, but the realization of having to prepare for their next opponent—Arizona State—settled on the horizon. Execution and performance were key themes echoed among Longhorn coaches and players as they acknowledged what lies next for the program.
Texas rolled up 292 rushing yards on the game at 6.1 yards per carry, significantly outmatching Clemson's 76 rushing yards and dominating on the ground. The electric rush attack led by Wisner and Blue could be the determining factor as they prepare for the Peach Bowl scheduled for January 1, 2025.
Next on the agenda for Longhorns is facing Arizona State, fresh off their Big 12 championship win. While Texas will carry the confidence from their successful victory over Clemson, the task of maintaining focus and improving on their already impressive rushing performance will be key. It's clear the Longhorns mean business as they aim for the ultimate prize: the College Football Playoff championship.
With high stakes and more on the line than ever, the Longhorns will need to keep their momentum going, and all eyes will be on them as they head to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl. The stage is set, and the excitement is building!
