College Football Playoff Clemson vs. Texas: Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets

Clemson vs. Texas expert picks, predictions, and best bets break down the matchup between the ACC Champ and the runner-up from the SEC. 

Texas enters the College Football Playoff as one of the nation’s top contenders, a team defined by dominance. With only two losses to Georgia marring its record, the Longhorns claimed double-digit victories in 10 of their other 11 games. Meanwhile, Clemson’s path to the CFP has been marked by resilience. Despite a regular-season finale loss to South Carolina, the Tigers secured an ACC title with a dramatic last-second win over SMU, earning the No. 12 seed and their first CFP appearance since 2020.

This matchup is Texas’ second CFP appearance and Clemson’s seventh, where the Tigers boast two national titles (2016, 2018). Surprisingly, this is the first-ever meeting between the Clemson Tigers and Texas Longhorns. But it’s not the first matchup between these quarterbacks as Quinn Ewers led Southlake Carrol against Cade Klubnik’s Austin Westlake squad in the 2020 Texas High School State Championship game.

Clemson at Texas is a QB rematch of the 2020 Dodge Bowl high school state championship game: Cade Klubnik vs Quinn Ewerspic.twitter.com/fWDetk8GNf

— Bill Jones (@CBS11BillJones) December 8, 2024

Let’s get into our Clemson vs. Texas expert picks!

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Clemson vs. Texas Expert Picks and Best Bets

Clemson vs. Texas Betting Preview

All Clemson vs. Texas odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.

• Spread
  Texas -12.5
• Moneyline
  Clemson +400, Texas -450
• Over/Under
  51.5 points
• Game time
  4:00 p.m. ET
• Location
  DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium | Austin, TX
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  61 degrees, clear, 5 mph winds
• How To Watch
  TNT

Clemson vs. Texas Expert Picks and Best Bets

Texas enters as a two-score favorite, but the narrative surrounding the Longhorns is far from settled. Their season has been defined by inconsistency—blowout wins one week, nail-biting escapes the next—even against one of the SEC’s lighter schedules. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has had a solid year, yet questions persist about the role of backup Arch Manning. Will the coaching staff turn to the heralded freshman for more than a handful of plays, especially if red-zone struggles persist? For some fans, the debate is lively, but for Texas, the uncertainty looms as they eye this game and the offseason quarterback landscape.

Clemson’s journey to the CFP began inauspiciously with a humbling 34-3 loss to then-No. 1 Georgia. Yet, the Tigers rebounded, winning six straight and finding their rhythm before a late-season stumble to Louisville. Quarterback Cade Klubnik has taken a significant leap in his second year as Clemson’s starter, throwing for 3,303 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just five interceptions—a stark contrast to his 19 touchdowns and nine picks from last season. Klubnik’s dual-threat ability, complemented by Phil Mafah’s 1,100 rushing yards, forms the backbone of Clemson’s offense. However, Mafah’s health, following a shoulder injury, could be pivotal.

Clemson vs. Texas in Round 1 of the College Football Playoff – who you got?! 🤔🐯🤘#clips_league_ncaaf pic.twitter.com/JbRuteVrfo

— theScore (@theScore) December 18, 2024

For Texas, stopping Clemson’s ground game will be crucial. Their defense has stifled rushing attacks all season, save for Georgia’s, and they’ll aim to disrupt Klubnik’s rhythm and breakaway potential. Clemson, meanwhile, will rely on its playmakers to expose Texas’ occasional offensive sputters.

I just believe this number is too big. Klubnik is a capable quarterback, and though it will be a hostile environment in Austin, I think the Tigers will give the Longhorns a handful on Saturday.

Prediction: Texas 27 – Clemson 23

Best Bet: Clemson +12.5