College Football Playoff Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clemson is a fairly predictable team, and one that plays well enough in big games, thanks to coaching longevity and a large history of being in big games.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watching them play \u201cold school\u201d football can be both good and bad, but their victory over SMU kept SEC team Alabama out of the playoffs, which I find amusing as well as satisfying.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Texas lost twice, each time to Georgia.\u00a0All other wins were by double digits.\u00a0Can Clemson pull another upset, or is Texas just too good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clemson Football Preview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
QB Cade Klubnik seemed much more confident this season, and his 33-5 TD-to-Interception ratio was the result.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In games that I charted as being comparable (five), I show him at 63%, with an impressive 10-1 ratio.\u00a0 RB Mafah runs tough.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite late season injuries, he\u2019s still hard to tackle.\u00a0 In the three comparable games I charted he ran 67-254, meaning he is NOT likely to run rampant here.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What I DID find interesting is that Clemson ran him 66 times in their three losses<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 The Tigers will not be abandoning the run here.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mafah is not much of a receiving threat.\u00a0 The pass game features one go-to WR, two fairly productive freshman WR\u2019s and a veteran TE who is counted upon to get timely first downs.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas has a decent, but not a shutdown pass defense.\u00a0This will be a good battle to watch.\u00a0I cannot recall a time in almost forever that the Tigers were so inefficient vs. the run.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Living under 4.0 allowed per carry, their 3.95 per carry allowed in \u201923 was well above the previous three years (3.3).\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Amazingly, Clemson clocked in at 4.7 per carry allowed.\u00a0I projected the pass defense to allow 55.5%.\u00a0 That\u2019s exactly what happened.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Points allowed were way too high vs. bowl types.\u00a0Clemson thrived on their +16 turnover margin.\u00a0Kicking was occasionally worrisome, but overall, they hit a respectable 17-23.\u00a0Led by DE T.J. Parker, they produced 33 sacks.\u00a0The touchback rate was 80%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas was not as good offensively, but all six of their WR\/TE targets either came from other programs or had virtually no contribution a year ago, so the entire unit was essentially rebuilt.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n The one constant was QB Ewers, who throws a nice, soft catchable ball.\u00a0 While I still want to see how he does when tasked to fire balls into tight areas, his NCAA work is more than acceptable.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n He\u2019s capable of 63-65% in this spot, and perhaps two passing TD\u2019s.\u00a0 RB Wisner assumed lead back status during the season and never looked back.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas, like Clemson, doesn\u2019t seem to abandon the run game, and I project Wisner to go 22-112 here.\u00a0 Texas has been consistent (3.4 on average) with its run defense.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida was the only team to run above expectation, with Georgia in the title game going 37-156, the next best mark.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like I noted above, Mafah is a tough RB, but Texas has the ability to contain him.\u00a0Their task: Limit his move the chains success.\u00a0 Sorry, SEC fans, but Texas did not face many true talented QB\u2019s in \u201924.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n They had no issues with most QB\u2019s faced.\u00a0 Georgia QB Beck was 43-71 in two outings.\u00a0 Texas does have the ability to force interceptions.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n I think Klubnik will have his moments in this game.\u00a0Texas had a 38-28 sack ratio, so really, both QB\u2019s could be under at least some pressure.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 3rd<\/sup> down defense was pretty good.\u00a0Texas was erratic in the kicking game (14-21, some serious misses).\u00a0Touchbacks came in at 60%<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clemson needs to put their QB in favorable situations.\u00a0 If that happens, he has a WR who can do damage.\u00a0RB Mafah must move the chains.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n They don\u2019t want Ewers to get in rhythm.\u00a0Texas has the opportunity to run well, which would open up their athletic WR\/TE units for big plays down the field.\u00a0Which kicking game can be trusted?\u00a0Which pass rush will win?<\/p>\n\n\n\nTexas Football Preview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clemson vs Texas: Keys To The Game<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clemson vs Texas Predictions: RB Quintrevion Wisner OVER 85.5 Rushing Yards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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