College Football Playoff First Round Preview: No. 5 Texas vs No. 12 Clemson

College Football Playoff First Round Preview: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has become the pinnacle of the college football season, and the first-round matchups are always among the most anticipated games of the year. This year, the game between No. 5 Texas and No. 12 Clemson has fans buzzing with excitement. Both teams are storied programs with rich histories, and their clash in the first round of the CFP promises to be an electrifying encounter.

In this preview, we will analyze key storylines surrounding the matchup, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, the players to watch, and what fans can expect from this thrilling showdown.

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The Road to the College Football Playoff

Before delving into the specifics of the matchup, it’s essential to understand how both teams arrived at the CFP.

Texas Longhorns:

Texas enters the College Football Playoff as the No. 5 seed, which means they were on the brink of securing a higher position but ultimately fell short in crucial games. The Longhorns have been a powerhouse in the Big 12, finishing with an impressive 11-1 record during the regular season. Texas’ lone loss came at the hands of their archrivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, in a high-stakes rivalry game that was critical for playoff positioning.

Despite the loss, Texas’ offense has been explosive, and their defense has been suffocating. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has successfully built a program capable of competing at the highest level in college football. The Longhorns’ 11-1 record speaks to their overall talent, consistency, and depth, and they will be looking to prove that they belong among the playoff elite.

Clemson Tigers:

Clemson, ranked No. 12, earned a spot in the College Football Playoff as a surprise contender. While the Tigers have been a dominant force in the ACC for years, their 9-3 record this season was somewhat unexpected. Clemson suffered a few tough losses, but their victory over key opponents like Florida State and North Carolina helped them secure their place in the CFP.

Head coach Dabo Swinney has led the Tigers to multiple national championships, and despite their relative struggles this year, Clemson remains one of the most dangerous teams in the country. The Tigers possess a powerful defense, a potent rushing attack, and a championship pedigree that makes them a team capable of pulling off an upset in this first-round matchup.

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Key Storylines Heading into the Game

1. Quarterback Play:

 

One of the most important aspects of this game will be the quarterback play. For Texas, Quinn Ewers has been a revelation this season. The sophomore quarterback has shown the ability to make every throw on the field, with a strong arm and exceptional accuracy. Ewers has been a key contributor to Texas’ offensive success, often leading the team with his decision-making and ability to stretch the field. His performance in this game will be critical to Texas’ chances of advancing to the next round.

On the other hand, Clemson has relied on junior quarterback Cade Klubnik this season. Klubnik has had his ups and downs, but his physical tools are undeniable. He possesses a strong arm and mobility in the pocket, which makes him a dual-threat quarterback capable of challenging defenses in various ways. However, Klubnik has been inconsistent at times, which raises the question of whether he can elevate his game on the big stage.

In a game of this magnitude, the performance of both quarterbacks will likely determine the outcome. Both Ewers and Klubnik have the ability to lead their teams to victory, but it will come down to which quarterback can make the most plays in crucial moments.

2. Texas’ High-Powered Offense vs. Clemson’s Dominant Defense:

 

Texas has one of the most explosive offenses in the country, ranking in the top 10 for both points scored and total yards. The Longhorns have been able to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s through the air with Ewers, or on the ground with running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson, a dynamic running back, is one of the top players in college football and will be the focal point of Texas’ offense. He has the ability to break tackles and explode for big runs, making him a constant threat.

Clemson’s defense, however, is one of the best in the country. The Tigers’ defense has been stifling all season, particularly against the run. Clemson’s defensive line, led by standout players like Myles Murphy, is formidable and will look to shut down Texas’ rushing attack. The Tigers’ defense is built on speed, strength, and discipline, and it will be tested in this game against a talented and balanced Texas offense.

The battle between Texas’ high-powered offense and Clemson’s dominant defense will be one of the key factors in the game. If Texas can establish the run and control the clock with Robinson, they will have a good chance of winning. However, if Clemson’s defense can shut down the run game and force Ewers to beat them through the air, it could swing the game in their favor.

3. Clemson’s Rushing Attack vs. Texas’ Defense:

 

While Texas’ offense is the talk of the town, Clemson’s offense is no slouch either, especially in the running game. The Tigers feature a potent rushing attack led by Will Shipley, a powerful and elusive running back. Shipley is capable of grinding out tough yards between the tackles while also breaking off big runs in space. He has the vision and patience to find holes in the defense, and he could pose a significant challenge for Texas’ defense.

Texas’ defense, under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, has been solid but has shown vulnerability against strong running teams. The Longhorns will need to stop Shipley and make Clemson one-dimensional to keep their offense off the field. Texas’ defensive line and linebackers will be key in limiting Clemson’s rushing attack and forcing Klubnik into uncomfortable passing situations.

4. Coaching Battle:

 

The coaching matchup between Steve Sarkisian of Texas and Dabo Swinney of Clemson is another intriguing aspect of this game. Sarkisian, in his second season at Texas, has turned the program around and has shown an ability to make adjustments on the fly. His offensive mind has been a catalyst for Texas’ success this season, and he will need to continue to outthink Clemson’s defense to keep his offense moving.

Swinney, a two-time national champion, has a wealth of experience and has built Clemson into one of the top programs in the country over the past decade. While this season has been a bit of a rebuilding year, Swinney is still one of the best in the business at preparing his team for big games. His ability to make halftime adjustments and keep his players focused under pressure will be crucial in this game.

The coaching battle between Sarkisian and Swinney will be one to watch, as both are known for their ability to lead teams in high-pressure situations.

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Players to Watch

1. Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas):

 

Bijan Robinson is one of the best running backs in college football and a likely first-round NFL draft pick. His ability to break tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and hit home runs from anywhere on the field makes him a threat every time he touches the ball. Robinson will be critical to Texas’ success, especially if the Longhorns need to control the clock and keep the Clemson offense off the field.

2. Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas):

 

As mentioned earlier, Quinn Ewers’ performance will likely dictate Texas’ chances of winning this game. Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and he will need to be sharp in the passing game against Clemson’s stout defense. If Ewers can make timely throws and avoid turnovers, Texas will have a strong chance to advance.

3. Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson):

 

Cade Klubnik’s ability to perform under pressure will be one of the most critical aspects of this game. He has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency at times. If he can rise to the occasion and lead Clemson’s offense, the Tigers will have a good shot at pulling off the upset.

4. Myles Murphy (DL, Clemson):

 

Myles Murphy is one of the top defensive players in college football and a potential first-round NFL draft pick. Murphy will be tasked with pressuring Quinn Ewers and disrupting Texas’ offensive rhythm. His ability to get to the quarterback and make plays in the backfield will be crucial to Clemson’s chances of winning.

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Keys to the Game

1. Texas’ Ability to Establish the Run: The Longhorns must establish a dominant running game with Bijan Robinson to control the tempo and keep the ball away from Clemson’s offense.

2. Clemson’s Defensive Line Play: Clemson’s defensive line, led by Myles Murphy, will need to apply consistent pressure on Quinn Ewers and make it difficult for Texas to execute in the passing game.

3. Quarterback Play: Both teams will rely heavily on their quarterbacks to make big plays. The quarterback who can make the most timely throws under pressure will likely lead their team to victory.

4. Turnovers: Turnovers could be the deciding factor in this game. Both teams will need to take care of the ball and avoid giving their opponent extra opportunities.

 

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Prediction:

This game has all the makings of an instant classic. Texas enters as the favorite due to their explosive offense and balanced attack, but Clemson’s defense and championship pedigree make them a dangerous underdog. Ultimately, Texas’ ability to control the game with Bijan Robinson, combined with the play of Quinn Ewers in the passing game, should give them the edge.