- What: College Football Playoff Game
- When: December 21, 2024
- Who:Â Clemson vs. Texas
- Time:Â 4:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (Austin, TX)
As we gear up for the highly anticipated College Football Playoff matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers, the betting lines are buzzing, and for good reason.
The Longhorns, coming in as 11-point favorites, have a solid case to not only win but to cover that spread against a Clemson team that has struggled to find its footing this season.
There will be no shortage of Online college football betting as the college football season continues, and every game becomes a high-stakes chess match.
Letâs break down why Texas is the smart pick here.
First off, letâs talk defense. The Longhorns boast arguably the best defense in college football, allowing a mere 4.0 yards per play, which is the best in the nation.
In contrast, Clemsonâs defense is more middle-of-the-pack, giving up 7.5 yards per play in their season-opening loss to Georgia.
This stark difference in defensive performance is crucial, especially when you consider that both teams faced Georgia this season.
Texas managed to limit the Bulldogs to 4.0 yards per play in their October matchup and 4.1 yards per play in the SEC Championship Game, while Clemsonâs defense was gashed for 7.5 yards per play.
Game Preview (Clemson vs. Texas)
This trend illustrates a significant gap in defensive prowess that could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game.
Now, letâs dive into the common opponent narrative. Both teams faced Georgia, and the results tell a compelling story.
Texasâs ability to contain the Bulldogs speaks volumes about their defensive capabilities.
If they can hold Georgia to such low yardage, itâs reasonable to expect they can do the same against a Clemson offense that has been inconsistent at best.
The Longhornsâ defense ranks No. 3 nationally in total production, and theyâve shown they can step up in big moments.
In contrast, Clemson hasnât made the playoff since 2020, and their current squad lacks that crucial experience.
This could be a significant factor as the pressure mounts in a single-elimination format.
Clemsonâs path to victory lies in exploiting Texasâs weaknesses, particularly in special teams and the turnover battle.
If the Tigers can capitalize on any mistakes made by the Longhorns, they might have a shot.
Uncommon đ pic.twitter.com/0vkfrW62e8
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 8, 2024
However, Texas has shown resilience and a knack for bouncing back from adversity, which makes it less likely theyâll falter in critical moments.
Their defense is elite, their experience is invaluable, and theyâre playing at home.
Combining these factors makes it hard to see Clemson pulling off the upset, let alone covering the spread.
While the playoffs are always unpredictable, the evidence strongly suggests that the Texas Longhorns are the team to back against the spread.
With their dominant defense, playoff experience, and home-field advantage, they are well-positioned to take down the Clemson Tigers and cover that 11-point spread.
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Total Points (Tigers vs. Longhorns)
Moreover, the Longhorns have a home-field advantage that cannot be overlooked.
Playing at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the atmosphere will be electric, and the support from the home crowd can be a game-changer.
The Longhorns are familiar with the pressure of playoff games, and that comfort level could give them the edge they need to cover the spread.
First Round in DKR đ€#HookEm x #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/7NxW0BlYxZ
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 8, 2024
But itâs not just about defense; itâs also about experience.
The Longhorns are coming off a heartbreaking loss in last seasonâs national semifinals, and they have a roster loaded with players who have been through the playoff grind.
While Texas does have some turnover issues that could make them susceptible to an upset, the overall data points to them being the more complete team.
I would back the defenses in this one to keep this one under the total. Under 51 Points at -110 0dds is the play in this one.
Check our top sportsbook reviews for the best odds on your favorite NCAA Football games before placing your bets.
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