Live Score: Texas vs Clemson – CFP First-Round Game Highlights and Updates
The goal is simple: survive and move forward as the College Football Playoff kicks off in Austin, Texas.
No. 5 Texas (11-2) is set to face No. 12 Clemson (10-3) at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. This marks the first on-campus postseason matchup for both the Longhorns and Tigers.
Watch Texas vs. Clemson live on Sling TV
Texas, after falling short of the national title last season, enters this game following a loss to Georgia in the SEC championship just two weeks prior. Coach Steve Sarkisian’s team has been one of the prominent squads in college football this year, but there are questions surrounding their performance after a second defeat to the Bulldogs, with the latest being an overtime loss.
On the other hand, Clemson is making its first appearance in the College Football Playoff since the 2020 season. The Tigers secured their CFP spot by defeating one-loss SMU in the ACC title game, which resulted in some upheaval; their victory over the Mustangs led to Alabama being ousted from the CFP, allowing SMU to stay in the tournament as the 11th seed.
The winner of Saturday’s matchup will proceed to the CFP quarterfinals to take on No. 4 Arizona State at the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Stay tuned here for live updates, scores, highlights, and analysis of Saturday’s College Football Playoff first-round game between Texas and Clemson:
Score Updates for Texas vs Clemson
This section will refresh when the game starts.
| TEAMS | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | F |
| Clemson | 7 | — | — | — | — |
| Texas | 7 | — | — | — | — |
Live Updates from Texas vs Clemson CFP
(This section has been updated with the latest information)
First Quarter: Clemson 7, Texas 7
Texas Equalizes with Touchdown
Texas has evened the score at 7-7 with a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Quintrevion Wisner, coming after a successful fourth-down conversion at the Clemson 4-yard line. It’s a promising start for the Longhorns’ running game, which had struggled recently.
During Texas’ opening drive, Wisner rushed four times for 32 yards, highlighted by a 22-yard gain along the right sideline.
Cade Klubnik’s Touchdown Pass for Clemson
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams on a 22-yard touchdown pass during the Tigers’ opening drive. Klubnik demonstrated excellent composure as the Tigers consumed nearly seven minutes of the clock over a 12-play series.
With Nolan Hauser’s successful extra point, Clemson started the game strong with a 7-0 advantage over Texas.
Clemson’s Offense Displaying Strong Performance
The Tigers’ offense is showing great promise, with Cade Klubnik scrambling to secure a first down and advance into Texas territory. So far, Klubnik has completed 3 of 4 passes for 23 yards.
Pregame Highlights
Texas Wins Coin Toss Against Clemson
Texas has won the coin toss and chosen to defer their kickoff to the second half. This means Clemson and Cade Klubnik will get to start on offense first in the third College Football Playoff game.
Dabo Swinney Meets Matthew McConaughey
Dabo Swinney had a chance to meet Texas alum Matthew McConaughey near the 30-yard line. Shortly after finding out that Clemson would be heading to Texas for their first-round game, Swinney humorously stated, “I’m going to meet Matthew McConaughey!” during his press conference. McConaughey is well-known as the “Minister of Culture” for the Longhorns and is a familiar sight at Texas games.
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik Prepares on His Home Turf
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is currently warming up at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. This game against Texas is a sort of homecoming for him, as he hails from Austin, Texas, and is a Westlake High School graduate.
Isaiah Bond on the Sidelines Prior to Game
According to reports from the Austin American-Statesman, Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond is seen on the sidelines in casual clothes during warmups. He is currently recovering from a high-ankle sprain.
Bevo Makes His Comeback
After missing the SEC championship game in Atlanta, Texas mascot Bevo is back on the sidelines for Saturday’s CFP first-round match against Clemson.
Will Texas’ Isaiah Bond Participate in Today’s Game?
As ESPN reports,
Pete Thamel reported on “College GameDay” earlier Saturday that Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond is “unlikely to play” against Clemson in the College Football Playoff (CFP) first round. Bond, a projected first-round pick in the NFL Draft, is dealing with a high ankle sprain and “may attempt to warm up” on Saturday, according to Thamel.
Texas Football’s Journey in the College Football Playoff
Today’s matchup against Clemson marks only the second appearance for Texas in the College Football Playoff’s history. The Longhorns made their CFP debut last year, where they lost to the eventual national runner-up Washington, 37-31, in the Sugar Bowl.
Dabo Swinney’s CFP Record
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is on the verge of making history as he approaches the CFP first-round game against Texas. With a record of 6-4 overall in the CFP, including two national championship titles, Swinney needs just one more win to join former Alabama coach Nick Saban as the only two coaches with at least seven victories in the CFP.
For more details on Swinney’s history and record in the CFP, click here.
Texas vs. Clemson Game Time
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium (Austin, Texas)
The game between Texas and Clemson is set to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 21, at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.
Where to Watch Texas vs. Clemson Today
- TV channel: TNT
- Streaming: Max | Sling TV
The CFP first-round showdown between Texas and Clemson will be aired live on TNT. The commentary team will feature Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, and Taylor McGregor. You can also stream the game via Max and Sling TV, which offers TNT in its package.
Historical Matchup: Texas vs. Clemson
Saturday’s game marks the first meeting between Texas and Clemson in their respective histories during the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Predictions for Texas vs. Clemson
Derrian Carter, The Greenville News: Texas wins against Clemson
“Despite the loss in the SEC championship, Texas has been up there among the top teams in the nation. They only lost twice; both times to Georgia, who also defeated Clemson in their first game. With over 100,000 fans behind them, I expect the Longhorns to overcome Clemson and move on to the second round of the CFP. Additionally, Clemson is 0-2 against SEC teams this season.”
Thomas Jones, Austin American-Statesman: Texas 35, Clemson 24
Betting Odds for Texas vs. Clemson
BetMGM game lines and odds as of Thursday, Dec. 19:
- Spread: Texas (-12)
- Over/Under: 51.5 points
- Moneyline: Texas (-450) | Clemson (+350)
Injury Updates for Texas vs. Clemson
This section will be updated.
Weather Forecast for Texas vs. Clemson
According to Weather.com, Saturday will feature sunny weather in Austin, Texas, with a high of 62 degrees. The sun is expected to set at 5:34 p.m., likely occurring during the latter part of the game. No rain is anticipated at kickoff, and winds are expected to be light, blowing southeast at 5 mph.
Texas Football 2024 Schedule
Here’s a glance at Texas’ 2024 schedule, including previous scores and results:
- Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Colorado State (W, 52-0)
- Saturday, Sept. 7: at No. 10 Michigan (W, 31-12)
- Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. UTSA (W, 56-7)
- Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. UL Monroe (W, 51-3)
- Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Mississippi State * (W, 35-13)
- Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE
- Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. No. 18 Oklahoma * (W, 34-3)
- Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. No. 5 Georgia * (L, 30-15)
- Saturday, Oct. 29: at No. 25 Vanderbilt * (W, 27-24)
- Saturday, Nov. 2: BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Florida * (W, 49-24)
- Saturday, Nov. 16: at Arkansas * (W, 20-10)
- Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Kentucky * (W, 31-14)
- Saturday, Nov. 30: at No. 20 Texas A&M * (W, 17-7)
- Saturday, Dec. 7 (SEC championship game): vs. No. 5 Georgia (L, 22-19 OT)
- Saturday, Dec. 21: vs. No. 12 Clemson (CFP first-round) **
- Record: 11-2 overall, 7-1 in SEC play
* Signifies SEC game
** Signifies CFP ranking
Clemson Football 2024 Schedule
Here’s an overview of Clemson’s 2024 schedule, including past outcomes:
- Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. No. 1 Georgia (L, 34-3)
- Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. App State (W, 66-20)
- Saturday, Sept. 14: BYE
- Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. NC State * (W, 59-35)
- Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Stanford * (W, 40-14)
- Saturday, Oct. 5: at FSU * (W, 29-13)
- Saturday, Oct. 12: at Wake Forest (L, 49-14)
- Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. Virginia * (W, 48-31)
- Saturday, Oct. 26: BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Louisville * (L, 33-21)
- Saturday, Nov. 9: at Virginia Tech * (W, 24-14)
- Saturday, Nov. 16: at Pitt * (W, 24-20)
- Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. The Citadel (W, 51-14)
- Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. No. 15 South Carolina (L, 17-14)
- Saturday, Dec. 7 (ACC championship game): vs. No. 8 SMU (W, 34-31)
- Saturday, Dec. 21: at No. 5 Texas (CFP first-round) **
- Record: 10-3 overall, 7-1 in ACC play
* Signifies ACC game
** Signifies CFP ranking
News About the College Football Playoff
Here’s some relevant reading leading up to the College Football Playoff.
About Texas-Clemson:
- Our forecast for the College Football Playoff bracket. Which team will clinch the national title?
- Predictions for the College Football Playoff: Evaluating the 12 teams vying for the championship.
- Schedule for college football bowl games: A complete list of postseason matchups leading up to the playoffs.
- The College Football Playoff prepares for a battle for ratings against the NFL, and the outcomes may impact future scheduling.
- Ryan Day and Ohio State face a critical moment in the College Football Playoff: Will it be a disaster or their finest hour?
