By Adrian Beecher
The Clemson Tigers are playoff-bound once again. The 12th-seeded Tigers will face the 5th-seeded Texas Longhorns in the College Football Playoff (CFP) First Round on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m. ET in Austin, Texas. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs and Clemson’s seventh CFP appearance, trailing only Alabama in total berths since the format began in 2014.
Clemson enters the postseason on a high note after a dramatic 34-31 victory over No. 8 SMU in the ACC Championship Game. True freshman kicker Nolan Hauser delivered a 56-yard game-winning field goal as time expired, clinching Clemson’s 22nd ACC title and eighth in the past decade.
This year’s matchup features two historic programs, combining for 1,767 all-time victories. While Clemson holds a 7-6 record in games played in Texas, the Tigers have recently thrived in the Lone Star State, including wins over Texas A&M and Notre Dame in 2018.
The CFP appearance also extends Clemson’s school-record streak to 20 consecutive bowl games, the longest in the ACC and fourth-longest nationally. Under Head Coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson boasts a 12-8 bowl record, including six CFP victories—the most by any active coach.
With a rich history, championship pedigree, and momentum on their side, Clemson is poised to make another deep playoff run. The Tigers are ready to roar in Austin, as their journey to college football glory continues.
