Texas holds off Clemson's comeback to advance in College Football Playoff

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It seems like the Texas Longhorns got rid of the sour taste from a SEC title game loss.

The Longhorns dropped the conference championship two weeks ago, while their opponent, 12-seeded Clemson, was riding high after winning the ACC.

The fifth-seeded Longhorns came away with a 38-24 victory to advance past the first round of the College Football Playoff.

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Quinn Ewers of the Texas Longhorns throws during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in a first-round playoff game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Dec. 21, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

It was the Tigers who struck first with a touchdown, but the Longhorns outscored them 31-3 heading into the fourth quarter. But, Clemson did not go quietly. 

The Tigers scored 14 unanswered points during a span that included its defense stopping Texas on a fourth and 2 from the Clemson 36. Suddenly, it was a seven-point Texas lead with 11:43 to go.

Just as Clemson was getting back into the game, though, Jaydon Blue scampered for a 77-yard touchdown to put Texas back up by two touchdowns.

Clemson drove down the field to continue its attempt at a comeback, but the Tigers were stuffed on a fourth and goal from the 1.

The Tigers got the ball back again with 1:43 to go but were unable to keep a drive alive, and the Longhorns ran out the clock.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates a play during a CFP first-round game against the Clemson Tigers Dec. 21, 2024, at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.  (David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Quinn Ewers finished with 202