This will be one for the history books. The Texas Longhorns will host the Clemson Tigers at DKR Memorial Stadium this Saturday for Round 1. The College Football Playoffs look a little different this year, creating excitement and pandemonium. The Round 1 battles have begun.
Clemson has performed well this season, leading them to the Texas Longhorns’ imposing figure. The teams will battle despite injury strains against Texas and a two-quarterback system against Clemson. The winner will advance to face Arizona State in January as the College Football Playoffs continue.
Prior Performances
Texas:
As the playoffs begin, it’s important to consider the Texas Longhorns’ mindset. They’ve been gunning for this opportunity all year. The moment is here. Since the beginning of the season, they’ve been ready to go. They’ve battled through an intense schedule their first year in the SEC, losing only to Georgia. The Texas Longhorns have fought their way through injuries and old rivals Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
Clemson
Clemson’s season began with a fate similar to the Texas Longhorns- losing to Georgia. After a steady stream of victories, with a couple of losses sprinkled in, Clemson has arrived. After a rough beginning to a strong finish, the Clemson Tigers have landed in Austin, Texas. Most recently, Clemson is coming off a victory against SMU for the ACC Championship. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will look to lead his team through enemy territory on Saturday afternoon.
Analysis
Texas
Something we can look forward to seeing from Texas is a strong defensive showing. All season, their defense has remained stalwart. It’s currently unknown if Kelvin Banks Jr., a staple of the Texas Longhorns offensive, line will play. Longhorns Wire reports positively that Banks Jr. was recently seen without an ankle brace or noticeable limp. Adding to Texas’ worries is the status of Wide Receiver Isaiah Bond. According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, “Bond re-aggravated his high ankle sprain late in the game against Georgia, and there’s more optimism he’ll be able to return against Arizona State on Jan 1 if Texas advances.”
Another sight we’re bound to see is Arch Manning. Just how big a role he’ll play in this game remains to be seen. It was the Quinn Ewers show this season, as made clear by Coach Steve Sarkisian early on, but the season is technically over. It’s the playoffs now and anything goes, including the possibility of subbing the starter for the backup. Ewers is getting the start, but the young heir will surely see key red zone playing time.
Clemson
For their part, Clemson has strong pass defense They’ll push that to maximum overdrive for this game against the Texas Longhorns star quarterbacks. Their quarterback, Cade Klubnik, will be facing off against old high school rival Quinn Ewers. His team will be pressed to make space for him against this Texas Longhorns defense. Sports Illustrated points to difficulties Clemson will face balancing their own injuries. Backup Jay Haynes is out with an ACL tear while Running Back Phil Mafah has an injured shoulder.
Final Thoughts
We can expect to see a terrifying first round matchup with both teams fighting hard. It’ll be as intense as the Texas Longhorns vs Texas A&M environment. There’s certainly much to keep an eye out for in this game. The Texas Longhorns will look to extend their playoff run with every weapon at their disposal. Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning, the offense and defense, and every weapon.
Clemson will attempt to hold them off while balancing their own injuries. This historic matchup will certainly be talked about long after; just like the old quarterback rivalry. Texas Longhorns vs Clemson Tigers goes down this afternoon at 3 pm CST.
