The No. 5 Texas Longhorns are advancing in the College Football Playoff after facing a tougher challenge than they anticipated from No. 12 Clemson.

Texas utilized a strong running game along with Quinn Ewers’ accurate passing to gain a significant advantage in the second half, but the Tigers fought back. A lengthy touchdown run by Jaydon Blue and a crucial stop on fourth down helped the Longhorns secure a 38-24 victory.

The Texas offense amassed 292 rushing yards, with Blue leading the charge with 146 yards and two touchdowns. Quintrevion Wisner contributed with 110 yards on 15 carries and also had two rushing touchdowns. Ewers was efficient, completing 17 of 24 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown.

Next up for Texas is a matchup against No. 4 seed Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on January 1.

At one point, Texas led 31-10 in the third quarter, but Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik made it a game by throwing two touchdown passes, the last of which came with 11 minutes left. However, Blue quickly responded with a 77-yard touchdown run, restoring a two-touchdown cushion for the Longhorns. Texas then sealed the victory by stopping Keith Adams Jr. for a one-yard loss on fourth down.

This win marks the Longhorns’ first in the College Football Playoff, having previously lost to Washington in last year’s semifinals at the Sugar Bowl. This season, Texas suffered two losses, both to Georgia — one at home and another in overtime during the SEC championship game.

Clemson began the game with a solid 12-play, 75-yard drive on their opening possession, combining short throws and runs by Klubnik, culminating in a 22-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Williams.

Texas quickly answered with their own 12-play drive, converting on fourth down near the Clemson goal line before Wisner scored on a 3-yard run. On their next possession, Blue added a 38-yard touchdown run, giving the Longhorns their first lead, followed by another 16-yard scoring run from Wisner in the second quarter, putting Texas firmly in control.

By halftime, Texas held a 28-10 lead, thanks to Ewers’ 19-yard touchdown pass to Gunner Helm with just 28 seconds remaining in the half. The Longhorns outgained Clemson 289-182 and scored the most points allowed by the Tigers in the first half of a game this season.

Clemson’s return to the playoff followed a three-year absence, which was made possible when Miami lost their final regular-season game against Syracuse, allowing the Tigers to make it into the ACC title game. Clemson secured their spot by defeating SMU with a last-minute 56-yard field goal.

Klubnik finished the game with 336 yards, completing 26 of 43 passes, throwing three touchdowns, and one interception.