Texas to Host Clemson in Historic 12-Team College Football Playoff Opener

Clemson, the only three-loss team in the playoff, faces a tough road test against favored Texas in a first-round matchup this Saturday.

The Texas Longhorns will face the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, December 21, in Austin, marking the first round of the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.
Clemson enters the game as the 12th seed and ACC champion, while Texas, the fifth seed, is coming off a narrow overtime loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship.
Texas is an 11.5-point favorite, with analysts giving the Longhorns a significant edge over Clemson, whose season included three losses but no defeats in true road games.
The winner of this matchup will advance to the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day to face fourth-seeded Arizona State in Atlanta.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian both highlighted the significance of this matchup, with Clemson embracing its underdog role and Texas aiming to capitalize on its home-field advantage.