Austin, TX

Clemson vs. Texas Prediction: Tigers look to upset the Longhorns in Austin

Published

10 months ago

December 20, 2024

Clemson vs. Texas Prediction: Tigers look to upset the Longhorns in Austin

The winner goes to Atlanta and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The loser goes home for the winter. It’s the College Football Playoff and two national brands that have never faced each other. Will it be a shootout in Texas? We find out Saturday.

12-SEED CLEMSON (10-3, 7-1 ACC) at 5-SEED TEXAS (11-2, 7-1 SEC)

WHEN: SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 4 P.M. ET
WHERE: DKR-TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM (100,119), AUSTIN, TEXAS
TELEVISION: TNT (Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, Taylor McGregor, Laura Rutledge)
RADIO: Clemson Athletic Network (Don Munson, Tim Bourret, Reggie Merriweather)
RADIO: ESPN Radio (Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, Dana Boyle)
SATELLITE RADIO: SiriusXM 81

NOTABLE

*This season, Clemson earned its seventh College Football Playoff berth since the format’s inception in 2014. Clemson’s seven berths trail only Alabama (eight) for the most in the nation. Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney‘s seven CFP berths are the most of any active coach and one shy of Nick Saban (eight) for the most of any coach all-time.

*Though the game features two high-profile quarterbacks, the matchup will also feature two of the game’s emerging young stars on defense. Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons (12.5) and Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (10.5) rank first and second in the nation, respectively, in tackles for loss by freshmen this season.

*Clemson is attempting to win multiple postseason games (conference championship, bowl game and/or national championship game) in a single season for the fifth time in school history (two in 2015, three in 2016, three in 2018 and two in 2019).

*Clemson attempting to produce its 12th 11-win season in program history, joining the 1948, 1978, 1981, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022 seasons. It would be Clemson’s ninth season of 11-plus wins under Head Coach Dabo Swinney.

*The winner advances to play Arizona St. in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. That game is set for Wednesday, Jan. 1st at 1 pm.

ABOUT TEXAS

The Longhorns featured the nation’s No. 18 offense (445.4 yards per game), with quarterback Quinn Ewers leading the way. He has thrown for 2,665 yards (233 for 352, 66.2 percent) with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Backup Arch Manning has played in eight games (61-of-90, 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions).

However, Ewers is more of a dropback passer and has 42 attempts for minus-62 rushing yards. Unlike the NFL, in college a sack is counted as negative rushing yardage. Manning is more of a dual threat and has 21 carries for 100 yards.

Quintrevion Wisner is the leading rusher (176 carries for 863 yards, 4.9 yards per carry and 71.92 yards per game). Jaydon Blue has carried it 112 times for 564 yards, giving the Longhorns a true two-back tandem.

Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond was the big news in the offseason at wide receiver, but he tallied just 33 catches for 532 yards and five touchdowns [According to ESPN, he faces “long odds” of playing due to recovering from a high ankle sprain still]. Matthew Golden leads Texas with 738 yards on 47 catches, but tight end Gunnar Helms is Ewers’ go-to guy on third down – he has 49 receptions for 611 yards.

Defensively, the Longhorns are ranked third nationally in total defense, giving up just 249.5 yards per game. Texas is ranked second nationally in scoring defense, giving up just 12.5 points per game. Texas ranks 15th nationally against the run (106.38 yards per game) and No. 1 nationally against the pass, giving up just 143.1 yards per game.

Texas gave up over 100 rushing yards seven times, twice to Georgia (108 and 141), and a season-high 197 against Florida. Kentucky managed just 21 yards on the ground in its loss.

Only two teams cracked the 200-yard mark through the air against Longhorns – Michigan (204), and Kentucky (211). Florida is the only school to crack 300 yards of total offense, with 329 yards. That 329-yard mark would serve as the fourth-lowest for the Clemson defense this season.

Texas is ninth nationally in sacks with 38 and recorded six sacks on four occasions (Miss St., Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky). Freshman edge Colin Simmons leads Texas with eight sacks, while sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill registered 4.5 sacks. Fourteen different players have a spot in the sack column.

The Longhorns are seventh nationally in tackles for loss, with 95 (for 402 yards lost). Texas is third nationally in interceptions, with 19 (San Jose St. and BYU each have 20), and it collected a season-high three against Georgia in October.

FIVE KEYS TO A CLEMSON WIN

1. Take care of the football. The Tigers are ranked fifth nationally in turnover margin (plus-16) with 25 takeaways against just nine turnovers. Texas is opportunistic on defense, but also lost 22 turnovers (the same as Clemson last season). Clemson is attempting to win the turnover margin for a sixth straight game. It would be Clemson’s first time winning the turnover margin in six straight contests since a nine-game streak in 2019.

2. Find the running game. Phil Mafah won’t be entirely healthy until he has surgery, but the Tigers still have to run the football enough to keep that dangerous Texas defense honest. To me, that means quarterback Cade Klubnik is going to have to be a huge part of the run game, along with those short throws that act as part of the run game.

3. Score points! That sounds simple, but the Tigers put up yards and plays against both Louisville and South Carolina but didn’t turn those into points.

4. Play complementary football for four quarters. The Tigers will have two good quarters out of the offense, and three good quarters out of the defense, or vice versa, and then it all goes hooey. Teams that should have been put away have crept back into games because of a conservative offense and a conservative defense.

5. Stop the Texas run game. As we’ve noted, Texas is prone to turning it over, and if the Tigers can stop the Longhorn rushing attack and make Ewers one-dimensional, the defense can stymie them enough to win the game.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN

I was running through the keys to the game with a former player – one who wears a couple of big-time rings – and he told me, “Hope isn’t a gameplan.”

That’s the critical thing for me. Clemson needs to do things it hasn’t done this season – score points on a really good defense, stop a dominant rushing attack, and play four quarters of good football. It can happen. Clemson has a chance to stroll into Austin and steal one from the Longhorns, but it will take its best effort of the season.

I don’t see it happening. The Texas defense leads the way to a win.

FINAL SCORE: TEXAS 27, CLEMSON 17

TigerNet picks

David Hood – TigerNet senior writer – 27-17 Texas
Mickey Plyler – The Roar 105.5 morning show host – 31-17 Texas
Nikki Hood – Staff writer – 20-17 Clemson
Brandon Rink – Associate editor – 24-22 Clemson
Tony Crumpton – Associate editor – 24-23 Clemson
Ryan Kantor – Contributing Writer – 23-14 Texas
Ariana Pensy – Intern – 27-21 Texas
Merrell Mann – Photographer – 27-24 Clemson
Brooks Thomason – Intern – 30-10 Texas
Grayson Mann – Staff writer – 20-17 Texas

Game	Actual	David Hood	Plyler	Nikki Hood	Rink	Crumpton	Kantor	Pensy	M. Mann	Thomason	G. Mann
Georgia	34-3 UGA	27-24 CU	23-21 CU	24-17 CU	29-20 UGA	27-20 UGA	28-21 UGA	24-17 UGA	17-14 CU	27-21 UGA	27-23 UGA
App State	66-20 CU	34-14 CU	30-16 CU CU	38-17 CU	34-17 CU	31-17 CU	35-10 CU	30-10 CU	31-10 CU	31-13 CU	28-10 CU
NC State	59-35 CU	34-13 CU	38-16 CU	42-20 CU	30-13 CU	28-10 CU	35-14 CU	34-17 CU	38-17 CU	31-10 CU	31-10 CU
Stanford	40-14 CU	44-20 CU	48-17 CU	38-10 CU	44-16 CU	42-14 CU	41-17 CU	45-17 CU	48-21 CU	40-20 CU	41-17 CU
FSU	29-13 CU	41-13 CU	42-10 CU	42-17 CU	38-16 CU	35-14 CU	40-14 CU	55-7 CU	44-20 CU	31-16 CU	45-14 CU
Wake Forest	49-14 CU	47-20 CU	44-20 CU	52-14 CU	45-20 CU	48-13 CU	48-14 CU	35-14 CU	42-13 CU	38-17 CU	45-10 CU
Virginia	48-31 CU	38-16 CU	42-17 CU	38-17 CU	44-20 CU	45-14 CU	47-14 CU	45-17 CU	45-13 CU	42-20 CU	41-17 CU
Louisville	33-21 UL	44-28 CU	40-25 CU	45-24 CU	40-21 CU	34-21 CU	49-31 CU	37-27 CU	42-27 CU	41-28 CU	38-21 CU
Va Tech	24-14 CU	30-23 CU	30-20 CU	28-17 CU	26-22 CU	24-17 CU	41-28 CU	28-24 CU	30-24 CU	31-20 CU	23-21 CU
Pitt	24-20 CU	27-16 CU	31-17 CU	28-12 CU	31-16 CU	31-21 CU	35-17 CU	27-20 CU	34-24 CU	24-21 CU	31-17 CU
The Citadel	51-14 CU	52-6 CU	44-14 CU	55-7 CU	44-7 CU	56-7 CU	46-14 CU	45-10 CU	42-17 CU	52-17 CU	56-17 CU
SC	17-14 SC	26-20 SC	27-24 CU	28-20 CU	24-22 CU	28-24 CU	31-30 SC	34-33 CU	35-31 CU	20-17 CU	30-21 SC
SMU	34-31 CU	31-23 CU	30-27 CU	30-28 SMU	27-23 SMU	28-24 CU	28-21 SMU	24-20 CU	27-24 CU	31-24 SMU	27-26 SMU
Points	–	14	13	15	16	17	14	11	10	19	11

* Points: 3 pts for best correct prediction of the week (tiebreaker is Clemson score), 2 pts for picking score exactly, 1 pt for picking the correct winner

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Austin, TX

Xu Xu’s Dumplings Opens Food Truck in Austin, Texas

Published

14 hours ago

October 23, 2025

Press Room

Xu Xu’s Dumplings Opens Food Truck in Austin, Texas

Xu Xu’s Dumplings, the beloved name in handcrafted, authentic Chinese dumplings, is taking its culinary artistry on the road with the official launch of its brand-new food truck in Austin. Located at 910 E Cesar Chavez Street, the mobile kitchen will open its service window to the public on October 24, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand and for Austin’s thriving street food scene.

For years, Xu Xu’s Dumplings have been synonymous with the perfect blend of flavor, tradition, and craftsmanship. With each dumpling meticulously folded by hand, the brand has built a loyal following for its authentic approach and commitment to freshness. Now, Austin residents and visitors can enjoy these delicate creations right in the heart of the city – from lunchtime crowds to late-night food lovers.

A Taste of Tradition, Served the Austin Way

Every dumpling that comes out of the Xu Xu’s Dumplings kitchen reflects a deep respect for culinary heritage. Recipes have been passed down through generations of the Xu family, focusing on balance, texture, and flavor harmony. Using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the team ensures that every bite delivers the warmth and authenticity of home-style Chinese cooking.

At the same time, the food truck brings a fresh, modern edge that captures Austin’s creative energy. “Austin has always been about creativity and culture – that’s exactly what we wanted to capture,” said James Xu, Co-Founder of Xu Xu’s Dumplings. “We’re combining time-honored methods with Austin’s modern, adventurous food spirit.”

From traditional pork and chive dumplings to innovative regional specials featuring bold spices and vegetarian fillings, the menu reflects both respect for the classics and a willingness to experiment. The truck will feature a rotating selection of dumplings and small plates, ensuring there’s always something new for customers to try.

Where Tradition Meets the Street

Austin’s food truck scene is one of the most dynamic in the nation, known for its fusion of global flavors and laid-back atmosphere. The Xu Xu’s Dumplings team designed their truck not only as a mobile kitchen but also as an experience – where the aroma of steamed dumplings and sizzling potstickers invites passersby to pause, taste, and enjoy.

The truck’s location at 910 E Cesar Chavez Street was carefully chosen for its vibrant mix of locals and travelers. Nestled near some of Austin’s busiest culinary corners, it offers the perfect spot for foodies seeking something both comforting and elevated. Whether it’s a quick lunch, an afternoon snack, or a post-event meal, Xu Xu’s Dumplings aims to bring the community together, one bite at a time.

Commitment to Craft and Community

Beyond the food itself, Xu Xu’s Dumplings remains committed to sustainability and supporting local suppliers. By sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and using eco-friendly packaging, the brand ensures that its growth aligns with Austin’s environmentally conscious spirit.

The grand opening on October 24 promises to be a flavorful celebration of culture and creativity. Guests will be able to sample the brand’s signature handmade dumplings, meet the founders, and experience firsthand the passion that has fueled the brand’s journey.

As Xu Xu’s Dumplings enters this exciting new phase, it continues to uphold its simple mission: to make every bite memorable.

Media Contact
Company Name: XuXusDumplings
Contact Person: James Xu
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=xu-xus-dumplings-opens-food-truck-in-austin-texas]
Address:910 E Cesar Chavez St.
City: Austin
State: Texas
Country: United States
Website: http://www.XuXusDumplings.com

Legal Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. ABNewswire makes no warranties or responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you are affiliated with this article or have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article and would like it to be removed, please contact retract@swscontact.com

This release was published on openPR.

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Austin, TX

Texas’ Adorable City Outside Of Austin Is A Hill Country Gateway Full Of Wildlife And Small-Town Charm – Islands

Published

1 day ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Texas’ Adorable City Outside Of Austin Is A Hill Country Gateway Full Of Wildlife And Small-Town Charm – Islands

Dan Thornberg/Shutterstock

The Texas Hill Country is downright easy on the eyes — and on the soul. The scenic terrain stretches across the heart of the Lone Star State, west of Austin, as far as the eye can see. The central region is known for its rustling rivers, freshwater springs, towering oaks, and, of course, its rolling stony hills. It’s also chock-full of historic communities, from Mason, the “Gem of the Hill Country,” to the German-infused town of Fredericksburg.

The roots run just as deep in Copperas Cove, a humble farming town founded in the late 1870s. The darling city has sprouted much since then. About 40,000 people now call this rural-suburban area home, making it the largest city in all of Coryell County. Despite its size, Copperas Cove is still beloved for its tight-knit, small-town atmosphere. As one resident shared on Niche, the city is full of “quaint neighborhoods with lots of trees and friendly faces.” Another local added: “If you’re looking for a great area to raise your kids or to even start a family, Copperas Cove is it.”

Straddling Highway 190 about 70 miles north of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), the city serves as a gateway to the seemingly boundless lands of the Texas Hill Country. Put simply, there’s no room for boredom in this nook of the state. Copperas Cove teems with a variety of parks, wildlife, and outdoor adventures, with sprawling lakes and recreation areas just a short drive away.

Experience the wilds of Copperas Cove

L. Hanscom/Shutterstock

The rural flair of Copperas Cove is pretty hard to ignore. ‘Round these parts, it’s not uncommon to see speedy roadrunners, burly armadillos, wild turkeys, and various other wildlife roaming the lands. If you’re keen on seeing more critters, mosey on over to Topsey Exotic Ranch. Perched on the outskirts of the city, the safari excursion is one Copperas Cove’s top-rated attractions.

“Deer, cattle, emu, an ostrich, zebras and more will walk alongside your vehicle in hopes of getting tossed some food pellets to snack on,” reads one review on Tripadvisor. “You will also see rabbits, prairie dogs and squirrels. Some kangaroos and a camel can be seen behind a fence.” The animal-filled outing costs $16 per person, at the time of writing, with discounts available for seniors and children 12 and under. Buckets of animal feed can be purchased for an additional fee.

You can also find a few green spaces in town. Copperas Cove City Park is among the more popular outdoor haunts; it includes ponds and a seasonal pool. You can also make a splash at Belton Lake or Stillhouse Hollow Lake, both about a 30-minute drive away. The former spans more than 12,000 surface acres of water, while the latter covers just over 6,000. A bevy of sandy beaches and parks hug the waters. If you opt for Belton Lake, tackle trails at the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area or do more wildlife watching at the Miller Springs Nature Center, situated on the southern end of the reservoir.

Where to stay and eat

Airwave Dynamics/Shutterstock

Wondering where to hunker down for the evening? If you’re up for braving the wilds, grab your best camping gear for a comfortable night outdoors and snag a spot at one of the many campgrounds along the lakes. Live Oak Ridge Park Campground sits right next to Miller Springs Nature Center on Belton Lake and receives strong reviews for its amenities and setting. If you find yourself at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Union Grove Campground offers a few screened shelters for those without camping gear. The facility also has plenty of spots to park a rig or pop a tent. Both campgrounds offer showers, a dock, and a playground. A swimming beach can also be found at Union Grove.

Don’t want to rough it? If you’d prefer a more luxurious abode, there’s a decent selection of familiar hotel brands in Copperas Cove, too, including the Comfort Suites, Days Inn by Wyndham, and Best Western Inn & Suites, all of which are located in the same vicinity. You won’t go hungry in this part of Texas, either. Feast on fettuccine alfredo, cheesy ravioli, baked lasagna, and other pasta staples at Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — rated the No. 1 restaurant in the city over on Tripadvisor. If you’re craving down-home country classics, grab a table at Lil-Tex Restaurant or Bobby B’s Southern Cooking & More. Just don’t skip dessert.

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Austin, TX

Cancelled – Coffee with a Cop – George Sector (Downtown Austin)

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2025

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☕️👮‍♀️ Join us on Thursday, October 23rd at Starbucks from 9 to 11 a.m. for our Coffee with a Cop event! Let’s get together, share stories, and strengthen our neighborhood ties! This is your chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and enjoy some tasty coffee with our district representative officers 📆 Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 ⏰ Time: 9 – 11 a.m. 📍 Location: 301 W 3rd St. Austin, TX 78701

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