Clemson and Texas will face off for the first time today in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. The Tigers are 13-point underdogs heading into Austin, and many in the media aren't giving them a chance.
While the Longhorns have the better strength of record, Clemson has something they don't: experience against adversity. Tiger fans know the struggles of this season well. Georgia had its way with Clemson in the first game of the season (Georgia did the same with Texas), Louisville surprised them, and, of course, LeNorris Sellers is still running after going for 166 yards and two touchdowns on the Tigers' defense.
Conversely, Texas has lost to the only ranked team it's faced, not once, but twice. Every other team the Horns faced finished in the bottom half of the SEC. However, they did play in the mighty SEC, so they get the benefit of the doubt. Don't worry — you won't find that here.
In this article, the RTR staff shares their predictions for the big game, focusing on each team's performance rather than the conference brand.
RTR Staff Predictions: Clemson Football vs Texas
Matthew
Texas enters this game as the largest favorite in the first round of the College Football Playoff. However, the Longhorns might be the most over-rated team in the field as well. After all, they haven’t beaten a team currently ranked in the top 25 all season. Therefore, this game should be far more competitive than the prognosticators expect.
On the other hand, the Longhorns have the home-field advantage and have the overall talent advantage. What’s more, their defense is one of the elite defenses in the nation and they will likely control the line of scrimmage against the patchwork Clemson offensive line. Look for the Tigers to keep this game close but come up short in a defensive battle.
Texas 24 – Clemson 17
Austin
Texas isn't the team people think they are. It beat up on less talented teams for the first six games until was humbled by Georgia 30-15. Conveniently, that fact has been largely swiped under the rug because, after that game, the Horns had only Texas A&M standing in their way of the SEC championship. Clemson's schedule was also a piece of cake, but for some reason, it's penalized more for it.
However, when you break it down, Texas has the upper hand at nearly every position, although, not as much as some think. Clemson gives a good fight in their first playoff appearance since 2020, but ultimately, falls short.
Texas 27 – Clemson 20