Jerrick Gibson, RB
Texas has emphasized in practice this week getting the offensive gameplan and play-calling much more balanced against Clemson in the Playoff.
The Longhorns didn't run the ball effectively at all in the loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship a couple of weekends ago. Texas rushed for just over a yard per carry and sophomore running back Quintrevion Wisner had only 51 rushing yards against Georgia after rushing for over 200 yards as a team in the regular season's final two weeks.
Keeping the offense balanced is a must for the Longhorns to keep control of the possession battle and the clock to ware down a Clemson defense that is young and doesn't have a ton of depth along the defensive front seven.
Texas's power run game has worked wonders when the Longhorns can effectively keep the chains moving with the ground attack in the second half with a lead on the scoreboard.
Clemson's run defense has allowed over four yards per carry and over 150 rushing yards in each of their past three games, including the ACC Championship Game against the SMU Mustangs. The Citadel (FCS squad) and South Carolina combined to rush for over 525 yards and three touchdowns against this younger Clemson front seven.
This could be a game where the Longhorns rely on multiple young running backs to get the power-run game going against Clemson's defense. Wisner and freshman Jerrick Gibson have both been effective zone-play call backs for the Longhorns this season.
Gibson is arguably Texas's best power back. The 5-foot-10 and 205-pound back Gibson pretty much seeks out contact running between the tackles in key short-yardage and goal line situations for the Longhorns.
Gibson's biggest problem that has limited his touches this season has been fumbling the ball to give opposing defenses the football back. He's fumbled the ball three times this season, including twice in SEC play. If Gibson has improved his ball security in practice for the Playoff preparation for the past couple of weeks for the Longhorns, he could be a back to watch for Texas's power-run game against Clemson this Saturday.