After a three-year absence, Clemson returns to the College Football Playoff.

The 12th-seeded Tigers head to Austin to face off with fifth-seeded Texas in the opening round. Clemson is a double-digit underdog for the second time this season. The first time was the season-opener against Georgia and we all know how that one played out.

However, this Clemson team is different than the one that took the field that day in Atlanta. Cade Klubnik has taken a huge leap and Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore mostly watched from the sidelines that day. The offense has seen a lot of improvement since the freshmen were inserted into the starting lineup.

Another difference is Phil Mafah’s health. The senior back has been playing through a shoulder injury that has basically rendered him ineffective over the last few weeks. Not to mention, backup Jay Haynes is out with an ACL injury.

Running the ball against this Texas defense was already going to be tough enough. The Longhorns have one of the stingiest defenses in the country, allowing just over three yards per carry. Garrett Riley is going to have to get creative in an effort to make that Texas defense at least respect the threat of the run. Whether that is by running Klubnik more, trying to get the screen game going, or just by working the quick passing game, you can’t allow Texas to just pin their ears back and come after the quarterback.

Relying solely on the quick passing game isn’t likely to be enough, though. The offense is going to have to generate some explosives in the passing game against a Longhorns’ defense that allows just 143 passing yards per game. Texas has allowed just four passing touchdowns all season.

Antonio Williams and Jake Briningstool, along with Wesco and Moore are going to have to bring it. There will be some one-on-one opportunities and they are going to have to win some of those battles.

Another key is slowing down that Longhorns’ rushing attack. Clemson can’t afford to allow running backs Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue to get going and start chewing up clock. Fortunately, quarterback Quinn Ewers isn’t much of a threat to run, but still, stopping the run has been a challenge for the Tigers. Especially in the second half of recent games. Pitt, South Carolina and SMU all had success on the ground after halftime.

The Tigers also need to force some turnovers, while at the same time, protecting the football. These two defenses are two of the best at forcing turnovers and whichever team forces the most is likely to come out the winner.

One thing Clemson does have going for them is Dabo Swinney. The longtime head coach has plenty of experience playing on the games biggest stages. He’s also had a lot of success using the underdog role to his advantage. Maybe he can tap into that and motivate his team to the point that they can put a full four quarters together.

I fully believe this is a game that Clemson can win. To do so will require playing complimentary football for all four quarters. Something they have yet to do. It will also take Klubnik being a major factor in the running game to offset what you aren’t getting from Mafah.

Swinney himself has said on multiple occasions his team has yet to play its best game. If the Tigers can finally do that, they will win.

However, I also believe that when a team shows you who they are, believe them. The Tigers are who they are at this point. A team that struggles to stop the run and one that has a hard time being consistent for four quarters on the offensive side of the ball.

I fully expect we see a valiant effort, and on both sides of the ball. I’m just not convinced that will be enough. The Tigers will have opportunities to win it, they will just fail to capitalize on them.

Texas 17 Clemson 14

A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!