As college football fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season and the road to the College Football Playoff (CFP), predictions and expert analysis are more than just a way to pass the time—they set the stage for what could be an electrifying year. One of the most exciting predictions to emerge recently comes from ESPN analyst and former Texas Longhorns player, who has boldly picked Clemson to upset Texas on their way to claiming a national championship. This prediction is not just about an early-season matchup, but rather a declaration that the Clemson Tigers have the right formula to dethrone one of college football’s most dominant programs and march to their fourth national title in recent history.
The ESPN analyst, who has intimate knowledge of Texas football from his playing days, believes that the Longhorns, despite their talent and potential, will falter against a Clemson squad poised to return to championship form. Let’s break down why this prediction has garnered so much attention and what it means for both programs as they look to compete on the national stage.
Clemson’s Rebuilt Identity Under Dabo Swinney
Clemson’s journey to becoming a perennial college football powerhouse has been nothing short of remarkable. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have made four appearances in the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014, winning two national championships in 2016 and 2018. However, in recent years, they’ve faced some growing pains. After a slightly down year in 2022, Clemson has shown signs of returning to its elite form in 2023, with an impressive mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Clemson’s offensive line has become one of the most formidable in the nation, and quarterback Cade Klubnik, who took over the starting role in 2023, has continued to mature into a capable leader with the poise to succeed on the biggest stages. Klubnik’s development is critical for Clemson’s success. The Tigers also have one of the best running back duos in the country in Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, both of whom can control the pace of the game and take pressure off the passing attack. Additionally, Clemson’s defense remains one of the most aggressive in college football, led by defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin’s schemes that consistently disrupt opposing offenses.
Swapping out former five-star quarterback DJ Uiagalelei for Klubnik may have seemed like a step backward at first, but Klubnik has already proven his ability to lead the Tigers in key moments. Swinney’s offense thrives with a balanced attack, and Klubnik is the right kind of quarterback to maximize that approach.
In short, Clemson’s foundation is as solid as ever, with a potent mix of offensive firepower and defensive depth. They may not be the early-season favorite in the way Alabama or Georgia are, but they have the pieces to make a deep run in the Playoff and win a national title. The ESPN analyst, recognizing Clemson’s growing momentum and history of rising to the occasion in big games, believes that the Tigers will knock off Texas, setting the stage for a remarkable championship run.
Texas: A New Era with High Expectations
On the other side of the field, the Texas Longhorns have seen a resurgence of their own in recent years. After years of disappointing seasons and missed opportunities, Texas appears to be on the upswing. With the hiring of head coach Steve Sarkisian and the growth of star quarterback Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns are once again a force to be reckoned with in college football.
Texas has one of the most dynamic offenses in the country, with Ewers at the helm, a deep group of wide receivers, and a strong running back committee led by Bijan Robinson’s successor, Jonathon Brooks. The Longhorns are loaded with talent, and they’re a program with an eye on a potential return to the College Football Playoff for the first time in years.
However, with that immense talent comes immense pressure. The Longhorns have been expected to compete for championships for decades, and although their roster looks good on paper, the team has struggled to find consistent success when the stakes are highest. Texas has had moments where they’ve been competitive but have ultimately fallen short against programs that have mastered the art of clutch performances in big games. For all of their hype, Texas has yet to show they can take down the heavyweights like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson on the grandest stage.
For the ESPN analyst and former Longhorn, this remains a critical point: Texas has not proven it can consistently beat top-tier teams when the pressure is on. While the Longhorns have a lot of promise, they have yet to overcome their historical tendency to underperform in key moments. With a national title on the line, the analyst believes Texas will struggle to rise to the occasion when it matters most, and Clemson will take advantage of that weakness.
Why Clemson’s Championship Run Is Inevitable
Clemson’s 2024 campaign looks to be a return to form for the program, and an upset victory over Texas could be the spark that propels them all the way to a national championship. Here are a few reasons why the analyst believes Clemson’s path to a title is more probable than Texas’:
1. Big-Game Experience
Clemson has been here before. They’ve played in multiple national championship games and have experienced the highs and lows that come with competing for the sport’s biggest prize. The Tigers are no strangers to the spotlight, and they know how to execute in clutch moments. Players like Klubnik, Shipley, and defensive leader Barrett Carter have proven they can perform when the stakes are highest.
In contrast, while Texas has talent, they lack the championship pedigree that Clemson brings. Despite making strides in recent years, the Longhorns have yet to show they can dominate the top programs consistently. When it comes down to crunch time, Clemson’s experience and mental toughness give them a distinct edge.
2. Defensive Dominance
Clemson’s defense is consistently one of the best in the nation. From their elite defensive line to their ball-hawking secondary, the Tigers know how to disrupt opposing offenses. In a high-stakes matchup like the one that could unfold in the College Football Playoff, defense often makes the difference. Clemson’s defense is built for these types of games, while Texas’ defense is still building toward that level of consistency.
3. Balanced Offensive Attack
While Texas boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the country, Clemson’s offense is built on balance. Klubnik has the ability to throw the ball with precision, but the Tigers also excel in running the football. The ability to move the ball in multiple ways, especially against a defense like Texas’, will prove valuable. Texas, on the other hand, could be more one-dimensional and rely too heavily on Ewers to carry the load, which could make them predictable and easier to defend.
The Road to the National Championship
If Clemson can indeed upset Texas in the College Football Playoff, it would be a monumental step toward securing another national championship. With a strong defensive unit, an offense that can balance the passing and rushing attack, and a coaching staff that has proven it can win big games, the Tigers have all the tools to go all the way.
The College Football Playoff is never an easy road, and Clemson knows that well. But with the added motivation of taking down Texas—a program many view as the next big thing in college football—Clemson could cement its legacy as one of the sport’s elite teams in 2024.
Conclusion: Clemson’s Resurgence
Clemson’s path to a national championship is looking clearer as the Tigers continue to evolve under Dabo Swinney. While many may overlook them in favor of other powerhouses, the Tigers have the experience, balance, and talent to make a deep run. If they can upset Texas, they will be well on their way to securing another title and proving that “Clemson chaos” still reigns supreme. The prediction by the ESPN analyst and former Longhorn holds weight, and it will be exciting to see how this dynamic unfolds in the months to come.