The wait is finally over. After years of false starts and dashed hopes, the Texas Longhorns are set to make their long-awaited debut in the College Football Playoff. And standing in their way is a formidable foe – the Clemson Tigers.
For the burnt orange faithful, just reaching this stage is a monumental achievement. It’s been a tumultuous journey since that iconic moment in 2016, when ESPN commentator Joe Tessitore boldly proclaimed “Texas is back, folks!” following a thrilling opening week win over Notre Dame.
In the years since, those words have become both a rallying cry and a punchline. Time and again, the Longhorns seemed poised to reclaim their place among college football’s elite, only to stumble and fall short of expectations. False dawn after false dawn left fans wondering if Texas would ever truly be “back.”
The Sarkisian Era Brings New Hope
Enter Steve Sarkisian. When the former Alabama offensive coordinator took the reins in Austin back in 2021, he inherited a proud program desperate to return to glory. Slowly but surely, Sark began to turn the tide.
A statement road win over Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide in 2023 sent shockwaves through the sport and had Longhorn Nation dreaming of a return to prominence. Texas rode that momentum to a Big 12 title and their first-ever CFP berth – a feat they’d repeat in even more impressive fashion in 2024.
“This is what we came here to do. To compete for championships, to be on the biggest stages. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re not satisfied. This is only the beginning.”
– Steve Sarkisian, Texas head coach
Now, as they prepare to face Clemson on the playoff stage, the Longhorns have a chance to emphatically put an end to the “Texas is back” debate once and for all. A win over Dabo Swinney’s perennial contenders would send a resounding message that this Texas squad is the real deal.
Proving It On The Field
Of course, that’s easier said than done. The Tigers are no strangers to this level of competition, with multiple national titles to their name in recent years. They’ll pose a stiff test for a Texas team still relatively new to the pressures of playoff football.
- Sarkisian’s high-powered offense will need to be firing on all cylinders
- The Longhorns’ defense must find a way to contain Clemson’s explosive playmakers
- Texas’ stars will have to shine bright on the biggest stage of their careers thus far
It’s a tall task, but one this Texas squad is embracing. They’ve fought hard to shed the “pretenders” label and prove their doubters wrong. Now, they have the ultimate opportunity to show the college football world that Texas is, indeed, back – and here to stay.
“We’re not just happy to be here. We didn’t come this far to only come this far. It’s time to finish the job and bring that trophy back to Austin where it belongs. Hook ’em!”
– Bijan Robinson, Texas star running back
Will the Longhorns finally shake off the ghosts of the past and cement their return to college football’s mountaintop? Or will the “Texas is back” claims once again ring hollow? All eyes will be on Sarkisian’s squad as they look to pen the ultimate underdog redemption story. The road to glory starts now.
