Texas opened its postseason with a statement, rolling to a 38-24 win over Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff. For three quarters, the Longhorns appeared unstoppable, racing out to a comfortable lead behind a balanced offensive attack. But Clemson’s furious rally in the fourth quarter added a layer of intrigue to what had seemed like a straightforward game.
The Tigers, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, stormed back to cut the deficit to 31-24, putting pressure on the Longhorns late. Texas responded with a game-clinching 77-yard touchdown run from Jaydon Blue, followed by a pair of defensive stands that slammed the door on Clemson’s comeback hopes.
While Texas ultimately advanced, the late-game drama raised questions about their ability to handle adversity against tougher opponents. Those concerns would be answered in the following rounds, but the Clemson game served as a reminder that no lead is safe in the postseason.
