Texas Football is taking on the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. It will undoubtedly be a great game between elite college football programs. The Longhorns are coming off losing in the SEC Championship to Georgia.
At the same time, the Tigers won the ACC Championship against SMU. The winner of the game will take on the Arizona State SunDevils in the next round.
With the season on the line Saturday, both teams are sure to put on a performance for those attending the game. We could see obscene stats from any players on the Longhorns. Arch Manning could score multiple rushing touchdowns, while Quinn Ewers could throw for 300+ yards.
The Longhorns' defense could force multiple turnovers as well. Here are four bold predictions for the Longhorns against the Clemson Tigers this weekend.
Texas Football bold predictions vs. Clemson: 4. Arch Manning could score multiple rushing touchdowns
If the Longhorns' offense stalls this weekend, they might call Arch Manning to jumpstart the offense. That means Manning could take some snaps against the Tigers this weekend. One of my bold predictions is Manning gets at least 2-3 rushing touchdowns.
This weekend, they could use his size and speed to change things up in the red zone. I think Manning could have won the game for the Longhorns in the SEC Championship game in overtime. He could help the Longhorns advance to the second round.
3. Matthew Golden scores multiple touchdowns
Junior receiver Matthew Golden might play a role in the Longhorns' victory over the Tigers this weekend. Golden had 162 receiving yards in the SEC Championship the other week. My second bold prediction is that Golden will have over 150 yards receiving and more than two touchdowns.
Golden's speed should help him zoom by the Tigers' secondary for multiple significant gains. Ewers will probably throw the ball to him many times this weekend. That's why he could have a massive performance.
2. Secondary forcing turnovers
The Longhorns' secondary will play a huge role this weekend in slowing down the Tigers' offense. They are why the score was so close in the SEC Championship game against Georgia. My third bold prediction is the secondary will have four to five interceptions against the Tigers.
After winning the Jim Thorpe Award, Jahdae Barron will look to prove why he is the top defensive back in college football this season. Expect him to be a factor on the field against the Tigers this weekend.
1. Longhorns' defensive line shutting down the Tigers' offense
The Longhorns' defensive line has been a force to be reckoned with in the SEC this season. I'm sure most of you remember how they stuffed Texas A&M on fourth down and prevented them from scoring a touchdown.
My last bold prediction is the Longhorns could have upwards of six sacks against the Tigers. The Longhorns need the defensive line to shut down the Tigers' offense to beat them this weekend. The Tigers will be eliminated from the College Football Playoffs if the line shows up on Saturday.