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The Clemson vs. Texas game featured a line of Longhorns -13 after opening at -10.
Betting Trends
- Clemson and Texas are each 2-5 ATS over last seven games, tied for the worst ATS record of CFP participants over that span (since Oct. 19).
- Nine of Texas' last 13 games have gone under the total, the sixth highest under rate in FBS.
- Clemson is on a 3-game ATS losing streak vs. SEC opponents; have covered in one of last six games vs. conference, the worst pct in FBS during that span (since Nov. 26, 2022).
- This is Clemson's fourth game as double-digit underdog under Dabo Swinney and second this season -- was +10.5 vs Georgia on Aug. 31 (0-3 straight up, 2-1 ATS in previous three games).
What’s at Stake?
The first round of the expanded College Football Playoff pits ACC champion Clemson against SEC runner-up Texas. The Tigers are the No. 12 seed. Texas is No. 5 and the Longhorns earned the right to host a home game with their higher seeding. The winner advances to play No. 4 seed and Big 12 champion Arizona State in the next round.
Key matchup
Quarterbacks Quinn Ewers of Texas and Cade Klubnik of Clemson last met in the Texas Class 6A state championship in January 2021 when both were two of the highest-rated recruits in the nation. Klubnik won that day and comes back to his hometown looking to keep the Tigers on the march for an even bigger prize.
Players to Watch
Clemson: Senior running back Phil Mafah has rushed for nearly 1,200 yards but his production dropped off over the last month with a nagging shoulder injury. The Tigers need a solid game from him against one of the country’s toughest run defenses.
Texas: Klubnik faces an intimidating Texas secondary. Cornerback Jahdae Barron won the Thorpe Award. Safety Michael Taaffe is a second-team AP All-American. Safety Andrew Mukuba transferred from Clemson for his final season and has anchored the back end of the secondary with hard tackling.
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