The No. 5 Texas Longhorns hosted the No. 12 Clemson Tigers in the third game of the College Football Playoffs first round. As the Horns and the Tigers warmed up, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium was filled to the brim with orange – burnt or otherwise.
However, as Texas fans flocked to their beloved home base, a few things were different about pregame rituals.
For the first time ever, the first round of the College Football Playoffs was played on college campuses, at teams' home stadiums. Consequently, the CFP required a few rule changes to each home team's stadium.
For the most part, each team had to play intro videos – for offenses, defenses, head coaches, etc. – ahead of the game. Before the Longhorns pressed play on Clemson's intro video, Texas made sure its fans were ready to experience something a little different than usual.
Well played @TexasFootball marketing! @SickosCommittee pic.twitter.com/3sccLZB4dH
— Micah Beutell (@MBeutell25) December 21, 2024
"Warning, we are now required to play ," the message read. "This video contains material not suitable for most Longhorns. Side effects may include uncontrollable booing or taking a restroom break."
Fans responded in turn by immediately booing the video board as images of Clemson and its players streamed across their jumbotron.
However, despite the home crowd noise, the Tigers got off to an impressive start, marching down the field for a touchdown and a successful extra point and taking nearly seven minutes off the clock. Texas was able to respond with a touchdown of its own after just over six minutes. The rest of the game unfolded a little more slowly.