The excitement is palpable as the College Football Playoff’s inaugural 12-team format kicks off this Saturday, featuring a thrilling first-round matchup between No. 5 Texas and No. 12 Clemson in Austin. Fans are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying contest, and there’s no better way to catch all the action than tuning in live.
Game Day Details
Texas vs. Clemson is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 21. The game will unfold at the renowned Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans. This setting will undoubtedly add to the intensity of the playoff experience.
Radio Broadcast Information
For those looking to listen to the game on the radio, you can catch all the action on SiriusXM. The Texas broadcast will be available on channel 84, while Clemson fans can tune in on channel 81. It’s a fantastic opportunity to follow your team while enjoying the insights of seasoned commentators.
If you haven’t subscribed to SiriusXM yet, now’s a great time! You can get your first month free, allowing you to enjoy not just college football, but also live coverage of the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and more.
Texas Longhorns: Aiming for Redemption
The Longhorns are coming into this playoff opener with a chip on their shoulder. After narrowly missing out on a first-round bye, Texas faced a tough defeat against No. 2 Georgia in the SEC Championship. This loss mirrored an earlier setback in October, where Georgia again proved to be a formidable opponent. With their championship aspirations on the line, the Longhorns are eager to regroup and showcase their talent on home turf.
Hosting this playoff game is a significant advantage for Texas. The energy of the home crowd can be a game-changer, and the Longhorns will look to leverage that support as they aim for victory. Fans will undoubtedly play a crucial role in creating an intimidating atmosphere for the visiting Tigers.
Clemson Tigers: A Tough Road Ahead
On the other side, the Clemson Tigers are entering this matchup with their own set of challenges. They secured the final playoff spot by clinching the ACC Championship with a hard-fought victory over No. 11 SMU. While this win was a tremendous achievement, it also set the stage for a daunting road test against a strong Texas team.
Clemson’s journey to this point has been a rollercoaster, but they are determined to make the most of their playoff opportunity. With a storied history in college football, the Tigers will look to tap into their experience and rise to the occasion in Austin.
College Football Playoff Schedule 2024
As the excitement builds for the Texas vs. Clemson game, let’s take a look at the broader playoff schedule. The first round features several intriguing matchups, including:
First Round Matchups
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Fri., Dec. 20 | No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana | South Bend, Ind. | 8 p.m. | Buy now |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU | State College, Pa. | 12 p.m. | Buy now |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson | Austin, Texas | 4 p.m. | Buy now |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee | Columbus, Ohio | 8 p.m. | Buy now |
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinals and Beyond
The stakes will only get higher as the playoffs progress. Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming quarterfinals:
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Tues., Dec. 31 | No. 3 Boise State vs. TBD | Fiesta Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Buy now |
| Wed., Jan. 1 | No. 4 Arizona State vs. TBD | Peach Bowl | 1 p.m. | Buy now |
| Wed., Jan. 1 | No. 1 Oregon vs. TBD | Rose Bowl | 5 p.m. | Buy now |
| Wed., Jan. 1 | No. 2 Georgia vs. TBD | Sugar Bowl | 8:45 p.m. | Buy now |
Semifinals and Championship
As the playoffs unfold, fans will be eagerly anticipating the semifinals and the championship game. Here’s what to look forward to:
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Thurs., Jan. 9 | TBD vs. TBD | Orange Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Buy now |
| Fri., Jan. 10 | TBD vs. TBD | Cotton Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Buy now |
The championship game is set for Monday, Jan. 20, at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium, kicking off at 7:30 p.m..
As we gear up for this exciting playoff season, one thing is clear: the road to the championship is paved with thrilling matchups, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments. Will Texas reclaim its glory, or will Clemson rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this playoff season is bound to deliver!
