The Texas Longhorns’ offense has not looked efficient lately, certainly not efficient enough to suggest a coming Playoff run. Facing the Clemson Tigers’ defense, that could be particularly worrying.
My Clemson vs. Texas player prop picks will begin with a possible Longhorns’ salve for these offensive issues, though on the surface, that will look like doubt.
One way or another, Texas needs to figure out those hiccups before kickoff at 4 ET on Saturday, December 21. For more action, take a look at our full Clemson vs. Texas predictions!
Clemson vs Texas props for the CFP First Round
Ewers Under 1.5 passing TDs (+150 at BetMGM)
Klubnik anytime TD (+270 at BetMGM)- Wesco Under 53.5 rec yards (-115 at BetMGM)
Picks made on 12-20.
Read full analysis of each pick.
Clemson vs Texas player props
Prop bet #1: Quinn Ewers Under 1.5 passing touchdowns
A 2023 Texas worry rose in the SEC championship game and cost the Longhorns. On six scoring opportunities in regulation against Georgia, Texas attempted five field goals. Another drive fell two yards short of counting as a scoring opportunity, a drive that ended in an interception. And then the Longhorns managed only a field goal in overtime.
Include those, and Texas turned eight scoring opportunities (or near-scoring opportunities) into one touchdown. That is a crippling rate.
The Longhorns need to fix that, and it may be moving away from Quinn Ewers that does so. When Texas gets near the end zone, it should bring in Arch Manning more often to create more of a running threat for Clemson to worry about.
BetMGM does not offer an anytime touchdown market on Manning, at least not as of midday Friday, but fading Ewers’s passing touchdowns is a means of manufacturing that market. Every Manning score is one fewer for Ewers. And this market also benefits from this recent Texas struggle.
Prop bet #2: Cade Klubnik anytime touchdown
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik has scored at least one touchdown in five of 13 games this season, a rate that would argue for a price around +160. Then again, he's crossed the goal line in just two of the last nine games, a rate that would argue for a price around +350.
This price of +270 is a rather logical compromise between those. However, it should skew toward the overall propensity.
Clemson needs to pull out every card it has in this matchup. Klubnik’s wear and tear no longer matters, not to sound too harsh. Tigers offensive coordinator Garrett Riley knows every time Klubnik carries the ball, his offense has one additional blocker.
Against Texas’s defensive line, that additional blocker will be necessary.
Perhaps Klubnik does not score. No bet is a “lock” no matter what anyone might tell you. But he will almost certainly get red-zone carries, and those are where the value in this prop shows up.
Prop bet #3: Bryant Wesco Under 53.5 receiving yards
Clemson’s greatest offensive strength is going to butt heads with Texas’s defensive preference. Texas has the No. 2 passing defense in terms of expected points added (EPA) per dropback against, as well as the No. 5 defense in passing success rate against, according to cfb-graphs.
That passing defense is why opponents run the ball at the ninth-highest rate in the country. Clemson’s problem is going to be it relies on the pass, dropping back at the 11th-highest rate in the country. Either Clemson needs to do that less or suffer the consequences.
Whether doing it less or suffering the consequences, this obviously lowers the expectations of the Tigers’ dynamic freshman receiver. If Texas is going to hone in on anyone, it will be Bryant Wesco.
New Users
Up to $1,500 in bonus bet insurance at BetMGM
Make your football plays at BetMGM, which is offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets (if your first bet doesn't win)!
Sign up now to join the King of Sportsbooks, or learn more with our comprehensive BetMGM sportsbook review.
Eligible U.S. locations only
More college football picks and odds from Covers
- Free college football picks
- College football odds
- College football National Championship odds
- Heisman Trophy odds
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
