NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
A first-ever clash between Clemson and Texas unfolds Saturday afternoon in Austin, and the storylines are plentiful. Two Texas kids playing quarterback — including the return of Austin native Cade Klubnik to the capital city. Dabo Swinney vs. Steve Sarkisian — but really, Sarkisian against Brent Venables’ defensive coordinator protégé Wes Goodwin, who no doubt picked the ear of Venables the last two weeks considering there’s history between Sark and BV. New blood vs. old blood. Clemson Orange vs. Burnt Orange.
It’s going to be a great 5 vs. 12 matchup, despite the highest spread (Texas is favored by 11.5) of any of the first-round College Football Playoff games.
From Clemson’s efficiency against zone coverage to Texas’ ability to stretch the field, the winner will need to execute their game plan in critical areas.
Clemson’s Strengths
Cade Klubnik vs. Zone Coverage
Texas relies on zone coverage for 78% of its defensive snaps, ranking 21st nationally in usage. This plays directly into Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik’s strengths. Klubnik has thrown 21 touchdown passes against zone coverage this season, the most in the FBS.
MetricFBS RankPass TD21 (1st)Completions206 (12th)Pass Yards2,491 (12th)Pass Efficiency154.7 (15th)
Red Zone Challenges
Both teams have struggled to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Clemson ranks 69th in red-zone touchdown percentage (61.2%), while Texas failed to score a touchdown on two red-zone trips in their SEC Championship loss to Georgia. Quarterback efficiency in these high-pressure moments could decide the game.
MetricKlubnikEwersCompletion %55.0% (T-65th)58.3% (45th)Yards/Attempt3.6 (T-97th)3.5 (102nd)Pass TD14 (T-15th)16 (T-11th)Pass Efficiency158.9 (77th)172.1 (61st)
