BREAKING NEWS: Brent Musburger and Jim Nantz Slam Former Texas Longhorns DE After Picking Clemson Tigers to Win National Championship
AUSTIN, TX – The College Football Playoff is in full swing, and the Texas Longhorns are set to face off against the Clemson Tigers in the first round at Darrell K Royal Stadium this December 21st. Texas enters the game as a 10.5-point favorite, but one former Longhorn has made a bold prediction that has sparked heated criticism from some of the sport’s biggest voices.
Former Texas defensive end Sam Acho, now an ESPN analyst, shocked many when he picked the Clemson Tigers to not only defeat his alma mater, but to win the National Championship. On ESPN’s “Championship Drive” show this past Saturday, Acho explained why he believed Clemson could go all the way, even after their season-opening loss to Georgia.
“They’ve gotten better. They’ve gotten bigger,” Acho said. “Rookies, freshmen have stepped up. Young players have turned into dominant players. T.J. Moore, Bryant Wesco Jr., playing better. Cade Klubnik and this entire team learned from their mistakes [against] Georgia.”
Despite a 6-0 halftime score in that season opener against Georgia, Clemson was ultimately blown out. However, Acho’s prediction sees the Tigers rising from that loss, pointing to standout performances from quarterback Cade Klubnik and key receivers like T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr.
While Acho’s comments sparked excitement among some Clemson supporters, they were met with harsh criticism from Brent Musburger and Jim Nantz, who both slammed his choice during their broadcast.
“Sam Acho is a former Texas player, and for him to pick Clemson over his own alma mater? That’s unthinkable,” Musburger said, shaking his head. “Texas has one of the most dominant defenses in the country, and this is a team that has proven itself throughout the season. No way should they be dismissed so easily.”
Jim Nantz echoed Musburger’s sentiments, adding, “To choose Clemson to win it all after they were handled by Georgia earlier this season shows a lack of understanding of just how strong this Texas team is. With that defense and the way their offense has been clicking, this is Texas’ year.”
Acho’s prediction was particularly bold considering Texas’ dominant performance throughout the season, including their impressive defensive stats, which have seen them allow just 12.36 points per game. Despite Clemson’s 10-3 record and offensive resurgence under Klubnik, many experts believe that the Longhorns are the stronger team.
As the College Football Playoff kicks off this week, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see whether Clemson can rise to the occasion or if the Texas defense will shut down the Tigers’ playoff dreams.
The highly anticipated first-round matchup between the Texas Longhorns and Clemson Tigers will take place at 3 p.m. on December 21st, with the winner advancing to face Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on January 1st.
Stay tuned to ESPN for more updates and analysis on this developing story.
