The Clemson Tigers will face the Texas Longhorns in the College Football Playoff next weekend, with a chance to keep their championship chances alive.
After a thrilling ACC title game victory over the SMU Mustangs, the Tigers knew they’d be playing in the CFP with the goal of earning a national championship. However, as the ACC champions, they hoped to have the resume to earn one of the Top-4 seeds, which included an automatic bye.
Unfortunately, the CFP committee did not seem to care much about Clemson’s resume, as they were the lowest seeded and ranked team in the playoffs. They will now face the Longhorns, who had the best seeding of the at-large bids and finished fifth.
This is a highly dangerous Texas team that has only lost two games all season, both to the Georgia Bulldogs. Following a setback to a common opponent, this will undoubtedly be an entertaining clash between the two great squads.
ACCN analyst Eric MacLain recently discussed what the Tigers will need to do to upset the Longhorns.
“I think that confidence is exactly what Clemson needs,” Mac Lain stated via text to Jason Priester of the Clemson Insider. “Because Texas boasts the top pass defence in the nation. “It will be extremely difficult,” Mac Lain added. “You’ll have to win these 50/50 balls, and there will be plenty of juice for him. And Cade, and the exhilaration that comes with it. And these players want to perform at a school that they likely grew up watching.”
Clemson’s primary concern will undoubtedly be Texas’ defence. They will come into this game with probably the greatest pass defence in the country, allowing less than 150 passing yards per game.
This does not bode well for the Tigers, who have struggled to run the football since Phil Mafah was injured.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik is undoubtedly capable of having a spectacular game in his home state, but he will need some assistance from his wide outs, Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco Junior.
The Longhorns have one of the finest defences in the country, so this will most likely be a low-scoring game. Hopefully, Mafah has recovered from the bye week, and Clemson can field a balanced offensive approach.
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