Don’t mess with Texas: Horns hook #Clemson 38-24 in College Football Playoff (AUDIO/VIDEO)

**Cade Klubnik threw for 336 yards as he tried to will his team back into the game (Tigernet.com)**

Austin, Tx.: It was no secret that Clemson’s Achilles’ heel this season has been its run defense. Unfortunately for the Tigers, that trend continued into their College Football Playoff game and Texas was able to exploit that vulnerability for 292 rushing yards en route to a 38-24 victory, Saturday.

Tigers’ quarterback Cade Klubnik posted great numbers, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns, but Clemson was unable to sustain any balance due to the early deficit and its lack of running back depth. Featured back Phil Mafah (shoulder) carried the ball just twice for nine yards. With top reserve Jay Haynes (knee) unavailable, Clemson turned to a committee of seldom used players: Keith Adams, Jr., Jarvis Green, and wide receiver Adam Randall. Green caught a touchdown pass and Randall produced 44 yards on four carries, but the running game was not a consistent threat.

Instead, Clemson relied on Klubnik to move the ball through the air. The second-year starter responded by engineering a comeback, leading the Tigers to within a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Moments later, Texas pushed the lead back to 14 on Jaydon Blue’s 77-yard touchdown run. Klubnik, playing in his hometown, led the Tigers back down the field to again put the offense in position to score. But the Longhorns defense stuffed Adams on 4th and goal from the one to end the threat.

TJ Moore served as Klubnik’s top target, catching nine passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Texas native RJ Mickens provided the defensive highlight, intercepting a pass that would have been a pick-six if not for a blindside block penalty behind the play.

The Tigers were forced to play up-tempo throughout the second half due to their inability to stop the run. Clemson’s defense didn’t force a punt until the Longhorns’ eighth possession. By that time, Texas had built a three-touchdown cushion that proved insurmountable.

Texas moves on to face Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Clemson (10-4) will head into the offseason with questions looming about its defensive lapses.