What we learned from Texas' win over Clemson in the College Football Playoff

First off, welcome back to the running game. This win against Clemson was built on the offensive line’s dominance from start to finish, setting the tone for what might have been Texas’ most complete team performance of the season. Let’s break it down position by position.

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Quarterback

Quinn Ewers played a balanced game and showed that he doesn’t need to be a superstar for Texas to win a championship. The interception wasn’t his fault—it was the result of a dropped pass—but he managed the game well overall. His decision to step up in the pocket and run for a key first down before halftime was a big moment and helped keep the drive alive.

That said, he missed an easy throw on fourth down, which is just part of who he is at this point. It happens, so you’ve got to expect it a couple of times a game.

This is the version of Ewers Texas can win with: a quarterback who manages the game, picks up key first downs, and makes the necessary throws. Plenty of teams have won championships with “bus driver” quarterbacks who don’t need to be elite, just consistent and reliable.

Running Backs

Tre Wisner was outstanding. He ran through tackles, made defenders miss, and imposed his will on Clemson’s defense. He didn’t shy away from contact and really set the tone for the game. Aside from the Georgia game, he’s been consistent all season. He’s 27 yards away from eclipsing the 1000-yard mark, which would keep Steve Sarkisian‘s streak of having a 1000 yard rusher every season alive. Just ignore the games needed to get to that mark.

Jaydon Blue showed growth. We already know about his speed and ability to break long, explosive runs, but what stood out in this game was his ball security. Covering the ball with two hands in traffic shows that he’s learning and applying what he’s been taught in practice. Wisner and Blue together are becoming a dangerous duo at the right time.

Offensive Line

This was an absolute clinic. Running for 292 yards doesn’t happen by accident—it’s all about effort, physicality, and dominance. Clemson’s decision to use smaller defenders to set the edge didn’t work, and Texas took full advantage, overpowering them all game.

Did anybody else see a holding call on the Texas offensive line last night? Besides one false start and an illegal man downfield, this team played clean up front—or maybe this ref crew was just better than the SEC championship crew!

To sum it up the offensive line controlled the trenches from start to finish, and the only thing that stopped the run game was the guy with the headset on the sideline.

Receivers and Tight Ends

Gunnar Helm was as consistent as ever, and his touchdown right before halftime was huge. He’s reliable and always makes plays when it counts.

The receivers had a mixed performance. They struggled to fight through contact on contested throws and had some key drops, including one that led to a nullified pick-six and could’ve swung the game’s momentum. On the other hand, they made some tough catches and did a great job blocking on the perimeter, which helped spring several long runs.

Defensive Line

The defensive line had a solid day. The edges were especially effective, creating pressure, getting sacks, and recording tackles for loss that kept Clemson behind the chains early. The interior defensive line played well situationally but wasn’t the dominant force we’re used to seeing. Still, their biggest moment came in the fourth quarter when they stuffed Clemson on a critical fourth-down run. This group continues to show that when it matters most, they won’t be moved—especially near the goal line.

Linebackers

The linebackers made some key stops, particularly against the run, but they struggled in pass coverage. They didn’t get enough depth on RPOs or crossing routes, which Clemson took advantage of. Liona Lefau made a great play reading a throwback screen, where Clemson had a hold my beer moment. Anthony Hill had a huge stop, chasing down a running back on a beautifully designed screen and pushing him out just short of the first down. That play got Clemson off the field and helped build momentum early in the game. Plays like these helped Texas stay in control.

Secondary

OK, they’re human! For the first time this season, there was noticeable miscommunication in the secondary, which led to big plays, first downs, and touchdowns for Clemson. Malik Muhammad had a rough day at the office, and Jaylon Guilbeau, outside of two well-timed blitzes where he caused tackles for loss, seemed lost in zone coverage. It felt like he was trying to do more than his job, which is out of character of how the secondary has played all season.

Give credit to Clemson’s young receivers and quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is the best QB Texas has faced this year.

Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron was solid as ever, moving around and making key stops. Michael Taaffe and Andrew Mukuba also stepped up late, making plays to help seal the game. Even though the group had a rough day, they’re resilient and capable of bouncing back strong.

Special Teams

Special teams didn’t give me a heart attack, so that’s a win. There were a couple of shaky moments—a bad decision to return a kickoff and a muffed punt caused by teammates running into each other—but overall, they did what they needed to do. No need to elaborate further—I’m not jinxing anything.

Final Thoughts

This was an exciting and thrilling game where both sides of the ball had to depend on each other, and Texas got it done in all three phases with a complete team performance.

There’s still room for improvement, especially with communication in the secondary, pass coverage from the linebackers, and some play-calling decisions. But this is playoff football—it’s about surviving and advancing. Texas showed they have the focus and determination to make a deep run.

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On to Arizona State. Nobody cares how the sausage is made—just keep making it. See you in Atlanta.