Texas Dominates Clemson in College Football Playoff Opener
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Longhorns showcased their strength and skill this past Saturday, securing a convincing 38-24 victory over the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Playing in front of a raucous crowd of 101,150 fans at the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Longhorns proved they’re a force to be reckoned with as they push towards the Peach Bowl.
A Ground Game that Roars
The Longhorns’ ground game was simply dominant, rushing for a total of 292 yards. Leading the charge was Jaydon Blue who tore through the defense for 146 yards, while Quintrevion Wisner followed closely behind with an impressive 110 yards. They made the Clemson defense look overwhelmed at times, with each run leaving the fans roaring in appreciation.
Quinn Ewers Keeps the Rhythm
Quarterback Quinn Ewers had a solid outing, completing his first eight passes and finishing with 202 yards and one passing touchdown. His performance helped set the tone as Texas quickly answered the opening score from Clemson. Ewers orchestrated a methodical 12-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 3-yard touchdown run by Wisner, tying the game at 7-7.
Strong Defense Makes Key Stops
On the defensive side, the Longhorns made their presence felt. After forcing Clemson to punt in the second quarter, Texas went on an all-rushing drive covering 65 yards. The highlight was a jaw-dropping 38-yard touchdown run by Blue, marking his 11th touchdown of the season. Things were looking up for the Longhorns!
Building the Lead
Texas didn’t stop there. In their third scoring drive, the Longhorns went 82 yards in just six plays, showcasing Ewers’ arm with a big 43-yard completion to Matthew Golden. Wisner capped the drive with a 16-yard touchdown, putting Texas up 21-7.
A Thrilling First Half
As the first half drew to a close, Texas looked to widen their lead. Ewers showcased his mobility with an 11-yard run to keep the drive alive and then found Gunnar Helm for a 19-yard touchdown. This brought the score at halftime to 28-10, with Texas having outscored Clemson 21-3 in the second quarter alone.
Clemson Makes a Push
After regrouping in the locker room, Clemson came out energized. They scored a 7-yard pass play early in the fourth quarter to bring the game to 31-24. However, the Longhorns quickly responded on the very next drive, with Blue breaking free for a stunning 77-yard touchdown run to seal the game at 38-24.
Clutch Defensive Plays
Even as Clemson struggled to find their rhythm, the Texas defense stepped up when it mattered most. The Longhorns executed a remarkable defensive stand, stopping Clemson at the 1-yard line on back-to-back plays, forcing a turnover on downs, and protecting their lead.
What’s Next?
With this impressive victory under their belt, the Longhorns will now turn their attention to the upcoming Peach Bowl! Mark your calendars for January 1, 2025, where Texas will face Arizona State at 12:00 p.m. CT. It’s thrilling to think about what this team can accomplish when they carry this momentum into the quarterfinals!
For updates and more news about the team, make sure to follow them on social media. The Longhorns are ready to show the world what they are made of!
