FINAL: Texas 38, Clemson 24

Here. We. Go!

I’ll be bringing you live coverage of #Clemson’s return to the #CFP vs. #Texas for @ClemsonSports.

Stay tuned for updates here + postgame quotes/stories.

📍 Austin, Tx. pic.twitter.com/lqGYJVVfQM

— Luke Winstel (@lukewinstel) December 21, 2024

Clemson will call a timeout after driving 50 yards on nine plays on their opening drive. The Tigers face a 1st-and-10 from the 25. pic.twitter.com/1GJmUf9RdS

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

What a frickin' drive by Clemson.

TD TIGERS!!! pic.twitter.com/Zu3veGILje

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Clemson takes an early 7-0 lead on Texas after Klubnik finds Williams for a 22-yard crossing route.

Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:46

8:14 left in Q1 pic.twitter.com/yb9fn4iWVu

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Clemson executes well on its first possession. Antonio Williams busts the Texas coverage: nobody followed him across the field, and he waltzed in for the score. The Tigers are up 7-0.

Clemson methodically sliced and diced their way down the field on the opening drive. With Texas setting up to prevent the big play, Klubnik did a good job keeping his composure and taking what the defense gave him. He's matured a lot this year and it's showing.

Also note that true freshman running back David Eziomume has jumped to No. 2 behind Mafah. I expect we will see him get +20 snaps today.

Texas answers with a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Longhorns convert a 4th-and-1 on that first drive and eventually tie the game at 7.

2:04 left in Q1

Texas answers right back.

The #Texas offense comes out and physically dominates #Clemson on their opening drive.

Texas sets the tone with strong run blocking. The TE Helms is a great safety blanket for Ewers.

The #Longhorns strike back and tie it at 7 in Q1. #CFP

— Luke Winstel (@lukewinstel) December 21, 2024

Texas with a 38-yard TD to take a 14-7 lead. I'm not sure I've seen a punter regress more than Aidan Swanson. That 31-yard punt was awful.

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

The Adam Randall at RB experiment is working for #Clemson.

He breaks one off for 41 yards to get the Tigers into #Texas territory.

— Luke Winstel (@lukewinstel) December 21, 2024

I asked if we might see Adam Randall at running back. Holy wow. What a shift. 41-yards.

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Another rushing TD for Texas. Clemson's defensive line is getting manhandled.

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Quintrevion Wisner dashes into the end zone to put the #Longhorns up 21-7 over #Clemson in Q2.

He’s got 80 yards rushing (8 ypc) and a pair of touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/E5MazEO4tH

— Luke Winstel (@lukewinstel) December 21, 2024

Clemson's defense with a huge hold after that tipped pick for the Longhorns. Sark rolled the dice and the Tigers get a big stop.

Clemson football.

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Huge play from Sammy Brown to force the turnover on downs. Clemson does punt it back away on the ensuing drive. It's 21-7 Texas with 3:19 to go in Q2.

Tough play. The Mickens interception return will be pulled off the board by a blindside block. Clemson has the ball with 2:40 left, but that was a huge call.

That was the correct call, IMO. In the old days, that was a good football play. Ugh.

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Nolan Hauser knocks in a 32-yard FG to make it 21-10 Texas.

Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 1:07

1:33 left in Q2

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Helms makes another big play. Touchdown Texas. It's 28-10 Longhorns and they get the ball back after halftime. Clemson's defense must regroup at halftime.

Dabo Swinney at the half: "We can't stop them right now. We've got to find away. Good job getting a couple of turnovers but we're just feast of famine on defense. That's not a good thing." pic.twitter.com/XjQ2HtCyCd

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

#Clemson holds #Texas to a field goal on the opening drive of the second half.

DL Peter Woods puts in a strong effort on the goal line, among others. #Texas 31, #Clemson 10.

— Luke Winstel (@lukewinstel) December 21, 2024

Klubnik hits Jarvis Green for a 25-yard TD. Great playcall. Clemson trims the Texas lead to 31-17 with 3:29 left in Q3.

Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:05 pic.twitter.com/AAJCU8p7cx

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Clemson's defense comes up with a stop on 4th down. Ewers throws behind his WR, and the Tigers get the ball back with 0:55 left in Q3.

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Clemson trims the Texas lead to 31-24 after that 10-play, 64-yard scoring drive.

The Longhorn secondary is arguing a lot after each play. pic.twitter.com/a6s6HzoCJC

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 21, 2024

Texas has rushed for 265 yards.

Huge play by Texas as Jaydon Blue races 77 yards for a massive TD. 10:48 left in Q4.

It was a missed tackle from Parker, but just another well-blocked play by the Longhorns.

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 22, 2024

STUFFED.

Clemson has two plays from the 1-yard line, and neither is a snap under center.

Texas takes over up 38-24 with 7:24 left.

When you can't win that single yard...and you run those plays...you don't deserve to win. pic.twitter.com/9o71NwhIYp

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 22, 2024

Clemson's season ends with a loss in the College Football Playoff at Texas. pic.twitter.com/3NNy8vntEt

— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) December 22, 2024