The No. 3 Texas Longhorns may have had to sweat it out more than they would have once hoped, but coming away with an opening-round win over the No. 16 Clemson Tigers to advance to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff is a reason to celebrate regardless. For what feels like the first time this year, the Texas offense had to step up when its defense struggled, taking on a Clemson passing attack that pushed the ball downfield better than any opponent all year.
Cade Klubnik: 26-43, 336 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
For most of the season, the Texas defense has been unimpeachable against the pass, but Austin Westlake product Cade Klubnik turned in one of his best performances for his first time playing in front of the hometown crowd.