Texas knocked off Clemson 38-24 in the first round of the College Football Playoff, showcasing a dominant performance that revolved around an unstoppable run game. The Longhorns leaned heavily on their ground attack, with two different running backs each surpassing the 100-yard mark. But it wasn’t just the running backs who contributed to this impressive victory; the entire team played a pivotal role in executing the game plan.
Trust in the Game Plan
Coach Steve Sarkisian made it clear that the run game was a focal point leading up to the playoff matchup. “I always put up what it takes to win each game, and I cover it from a special teams standpoint, an offensive standpoint, a defensive standpoint and then a team standpoint,” Sarkisian explained. “One of the first bullet points I put up in this room was ‘run to win.’ That we needed to run the football to win this game, and we’re going to need to run the football to advance in these playoffs. That’s what playoff football is about.”
By the time the final whistle blew, Texas had amassed an impressive 292 rushing yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. That’s a stat that speaks volumes about their effectiveness on the ground. But how did they achieve such success?
Quinn Ewers: The Key to Success
A significant factor in Texas’s triumph was the performance of quarterback Quinn Ewers. He not only managed the game effectively but also demonstrated his ability to make crucial adjustments on the fly. Ewers audibled on both of Jaydon Blue‘s touchdown runs, which covered 38 and 77 yards, respectively. This level of trust from the coaching staff is a testament to Ewers’ understanding of the game and his leadership on the field.
“So, one, him handling the run game, and then, two, that mechanism at the line of scrimmage of getting that check and then blocking it really well to spring him on those two runs,” Sarkisian elaborated. “There’s a lot that goes into the run game. We always say the run game takes all 11, and all 11 did it tonight.”
Ewers executed the game plan to perfection, which was pivotal for Texas. His ability to read defenses and adjust plays accordingly allowed the Longhorns to exploit weaknesses in Clemson’s defense.
The Power of the Run Game
The Longhorns’ success on the ground was not just a product of individual talent but also a reflection of their teamwork and preparation. The offensive line created holes, and the running backs seized the opportunities presented to them. With two backs each rushing for over 100 yards, it was clear that Texas had a well-rounded attack that kept Clemson guessing.
“We really challenged them on the run game,” Sarkisian said. “From the opening meeting getting ready for the ballgame to the intent in which we practiced, I thought we had a good plan.”
This commitment to the run game paid off handsomely, allowing Texas to control the tempo of the game and keep their defense fresh.
Game Highlights and Stats
The statistics tell a compelling story. Texas’s 292 rushing yards were complemented by a balanced offensive attack that kept Clemson’s defense on their heels. The Longhorns not only dominated the ground game but also managed to maintain a solid passing attack, ensuring that Clemson could not focus solely on stopping the run.
With such an effective strategy, it’s no wonder that Texas emerged victorious. The combination of a strong run game, effective quarterback play, and solid team execution laid the foundation for their success in this playoff matchup.
Looking Ahead
As the Longhorns look to advance further in the College Football Playoff, the lessons learned from this game will be invaluable. The importance of a strong run game cannot be overstated. It not only sets the tone for the offense but also allows the team to dictate the pace of the game.
The playoff journey is just beginning, and if Texas continues to execute their game plan with the same intensity and focus, they could very well find themselves competing for a national championship. The trust in their run game and the leadership from Ewers will be crucial as they face tougher opponents in the coming rounds.
In the world of college football, where every game counts, Texas has made a statement with their performance against Clemson. They’ve shown that they are ready to compete at the highest level, and with their sights set on the championship, fans can expect more thrilling moments to come. This is what playoff football is all about—intensity, strategy, and the will to win.
