NCAAF · 11 months ago

Texas’s 5 Keys to Winning Against Clemson in the CFP

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Home Field Advantage
The weather in Texas won’t be the kind of home-field advantage it could be in a place like Penn State. Still, Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium should be rocking, and that kind of atmosphere can be a real advantage for Texas. Clemson has not played in any truly raucous road environments this season. That should change on Saturday against the Longhorns, and it needs to be a significant factor in Texas’ favor.

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1. Take Care of the Ball
One of the quickest ways for a favorite to fall victim to an upset is to lose the turnover battle. Quinn Ewers has been a bit careless with the ball, and the Clemson Tigers are third in the country in turnover margin at +1.3 per game. If Clemson can win the turnover margin by two or three turnovers through interception or fumble, this game gets very dicey for the Texas Longhorns.

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2. Create Big Plays Through the Air
The Texas Longhorns have several good playmakers, but their offense fails to get in rhythm at times. Clemson is susceptible in the secondary, mainly if Texas can get the ball to talented speedsters like Matthew Golden, Ryan Wingo, or DeAndre Moore. Steve Sarkisian could help Ewers with a healthy dose of quick screens and yards after the catch.
3. Slow Phil Mafah
The Clemson Tigers need balance for their offense to work well. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will be a part of the running game, but the main cog of the rushing attack is Phil Mafah. Mafah is a real problem for defenses, but only if he is healthy. He’s a warrior and will play, but if the week off has given Mafah a bit of time to rest his banged-up shoulder, Clemson’s offense becomes more dangerous. Texas has to key in on the only running back the Clemson coaches trust and limit his ability to keep the Tigers’ offense on schedule.
4. Secondary Must Perform
The strength of the Texas Longhorns is undoubtedly their defense. Texas leads the nation in coverage grade (per Pro Football Focus) and has the second-most interceptions in the country. The pass rush is fierce, with multiple dangerous players that could hurt Clemson’s wounded offensive line. Clemson has talented young receivers, and Klubnik can have terrific stretches, but Texas’ secondary has been the nation’s best, and they need to show up in this big game.
5. Home Field Advantage
The weather in Texas won’t be the kind of home-field advantage it could be in a place like Penn State. Still, Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium should be rocking, and that kind of atmosphere can be a real advantage for Texas. Clemson has not played in any truly raucous road environments this season. That should change on Saturday against the Longhorns, and it needs to be a significant factor in Texas’ favor.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. Take Care of the Ball
One of the quickest ways for a favorite to fall victim to an upset is to lose the turnover battle. Quinn Ewers has been a bit careless with the ball, and the Clemson Tigers are third in the country in turnover margin at +1.3 per game. If Clemson can win the turnover margin by two or three turnovers through interception or fumble, this game gets very dicey for the Texas Longhorns.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

Texas’s 5 Keys to Winning Against Clemson in the CFP

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