Nick Saban reveals what impressed him most about Texas' victory over Clemson, why it could lead to national championship

Nick Saban was impressed with the way Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns played during the First Round of the College Football Playoff against the Clemson Tigers. And it’s easy to see why.

Texas was able to secure a 14-point win over Dabo Swinney’s bunch this past weekend, fighting back in a big way after falling down by a touchdown early in the contest. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, Saban explained why the performance could signal immense success and a championship run for the Longhorns.

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“The thing that impressed me most about Texas in the Clemson game is the way they ran the ball,” Saban said, regarding the Longhorns’ performance. “I mean, they ran the ball, I mean, up and down the field on these guys. I think that, I’ve always said this — if you don’t run the ball, well, you have trouble in the red area. They didn’t have the same issues in the red area, I think, because of their ability to run the ball.

“Now, I don’t know probably enough about Clemson’s defense, but I think they’re pretty decent — but they did a good job. They made some explosive plays. They’ve got explosive players. So, I think Texas is one of the best four teams out there that has a chance to, you know, get in the championship game.”

Continuing, Pat McAfee believes in Texas even more after their win over the Tigers, believing it’s a continuation of what they’ve shown all season long, with their incredible ability to rally after disappointment.

“I love that Sark has had to get his boys to rally a couple of different times now,” McAfee added. “Lose early at home in front of the whole world. Have to rally. Now, ‘Is this team for real or not?’ Had an injury. Obviously, had to rally. Then, they lose the SEC Championship. Had to rally.

“It’s like, I feel like they’re callous too, you know. I feel like they’ve been through some shit this year, mentally and physically, and that could be a great motivator for a team.”

Moving forward, it’ll be fascinating to see if Nick Saban and Pat McAfee are right about the Texas Longhorns. Their next contest will take place on New Year’s Day, as they’ll do battle with the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff.