The Texas Longhorns and Clemson Tigers will be kicking off the middle game of a triple-header to open the College Football Playoff. Both sides enter this game revved up and ready to make a statement.
The game will kick off at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET from Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. With the Longhorns being the higher-ranked team, they get to host this first-round game.
Texas enters this game with a record of 11-2 and fell just short of winning the SEC. The Longhorns have been one of the best teams across the country all season long but lost both games when they faced the Georgia Bulldogs.
Clemson comes into the game with a record of 10-3 and they are coming off winning the ACC. The Tigers have won four of five games and came in ranked in the last possible spot in the playoff field.
So who wins this game? Luckily, Newsweek Sports has you covered with our expert predictions.
Matt Levine: Texas is the clear favorite entering this game, in part due to the game being played at home. But they have been the most consistent team between the two sides. However, oftentimes in these types of games, experience matters. Say what you will about Dabo Swinney but he brings experience to the table.
One of the biggest questions in this game is how Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will play. Ewers has thrown for two touchdowns and three interceptions over his last two games. Texas is going to need him to play very well if they want to go anywhere in the playoff. All the pressure is on Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns in this one.
Everyone seems to be overlooking the Tigers and I can understand why. Clemson has been up and down this year but they finished strong. This could be a great game but I have the Tigers advancing by the skin of their team.
Prediction: Clemson 31, Texas 27
Valentina Martinez: Texas is 13-1 in their last 14 home games. I think the Longhorns should take care of business so they can face Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.
Prediction: Texas 32, Clemson 24
Ricardo Sandoval: The Longhorns have only lost two games this season, and they both came to the Georgia Bulldogs. Texas ranks third nationally in total defense (249.5 yards per game) and second in scoring (12.5 points per game). It will be a long game for Clemson.
Prediction: Texas 41, Clemson 26
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