Texas runs over Clemson in College Football Playoff, finding offensive identity at just the right time

Clemson made things interesting in the fourth quarter for a stretch after falling into a 31-10 hole, (5) Texas (12-2) managed to hold on for a 38-24 win over the (12) Tigers (10-4) in the opening round of the College Football Playoff.

The Longhorns have their run game to thank for the victory.

Texas exploded for a season-high 292 rushing yards on 6.2 yards per carry, pummeling a Clemson defense that came into the week ranked No. 90 nationally in yards allowed per carry. The Tigers’ inability to stop the run ultimately decided the game. Texas running back Jaydon Blue hit a touchdown run of 38 yards to take a second-quarter lead, then another from 77 yards out to stretch Texas’ fourth-quarter lead to 14.

With the win, Texas advances to the CFB Playoff quarterfinals where it will play (4) Arizona State.

Clemson will enter the offseason with questions about how to address a problematic defense. Though, it seems as if Dabo Swinney is willing to try new things given the Tigers have added a pair of transfers within the last week.