College football enthusiasts will be closely observing the action this Saturday as some teams take to the field. However, one team that won't be playing is the Texas Longhorns. After a grueling loss to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship, the Longhorns now have some much-needed time to heal both physically and mentally. Their next game is set for December 21 against Clemson in the first round of the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Texas Football's Road to Recovery and Playoff Quest

Recovery and Preparation

Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian understands the importance of this extended layover. While he would have preferred an extra week of rest with a first-round bye, he knows that at this stage of the season, no one will be 100% healthy. "Everybody's got bumps and bruises," Sarkisian said last Monday. The team will be hoping to get key players like starting left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and wide receiver Isaiah Bond back to full strength. Banks, who was dealing with a left ankle injury, was selected to the All-SEC first team this past week and is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.The Longhorns also need quarterback Quinn Ewers to be as close to fully healthy as possible. With these players in top form, Texas will be looking to make a strong showing in the playoff.

The Opponent: Clemson and Cade Klubnik

Clemson is led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has a unique connection to the Austin area. A Westlake alumnus, Klubnik defeated Ewers and Southlake Carroll in the state finals of the 2021 UIL Texas high school football playoffs. This adds an extra layer of motivation for the Texas players as they prepare to face their former rival.Clemson's performance in the playoffs will be crucial as they take on the fifth-seeded Texas Longhorns in the first round. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals at the Peach Bowl on New Year's Day. If Texas wins, they will play a semifinal on Jan. 10 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, with a chance to reach the national title game on Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta.

Texas Football Schedule Overview

The Longhorns' season record stands at an impressive 11-2. Their victories have been dominant, with notable wins against teams like Colorado State, Michigan, UTSA, ULM, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas A&M. However, their loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game was a tough blow.August 31: Texas beat Colorado State, 52-0.September 7: Texas beat Michigan, 31-12.September 14: Texas beat UTSA, 56-7.September 21: Texas beat ULM, 51-3.September 28: Texas beat Mississippi State, 35-13.October 12: Texas beat Oklahoma, 34-3.October 19: Texas lost to Georgia, 30-15.October 26: Texas beat Vanderbilt, 27-24.November 9: Texas beat Florida, 49-17.November 16: Texas beat Arkansas, 20-10.November 23: Texas beat Kentucky, 31-14.November 30: Texas beat Texas A&M, 17-7.December 7: Georgia beat Texas, 22-19 (SEC Championship Game).Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more updates. Your subscription helps support our work. Get access to all our best content with this great offer.