After the Smoke Cleared: Week 0 Instant Classic

Final Score: Texas 35 – Clemson 34

What. A. Game

In a matchup that lived up to every ounce of the hype, the Texas Longhorns traveled into Death Valley and escaped with a heart-pounding 35–34 victory over Clemson after stopping a last-second 2-point conversion attempt.

The game featured fireworks on both sides from explosive runs and clutch third-down conversions to defensive stands that had fans on the edge of their seats. As the clock hit zero, both teams walked off the field knowing they’d just been part of an instant classic.

🎙️ Postgame Press Conference Highlights

🐂 Coach Taco Relish — Texas Longhorns (Winner)

Q1: Coach, that was an absolute classic — a one-point win on the road against Clemson. Walk us through what was going through your mind during that final two-point stop.

Coach Taco Relish:

“I thought it was either win or lose at that moment, so I decided to bring pressure with the best speed rushers in the Country for the last play of the game and the pressure arrived. We didn’t want to sit back and hope. We wanted to go take it.”

Q2: Offensively, your team put up 35 points against one of the toughest defenses in the league. What was the game plan coming into this matchup, and how well do you think your players executed it?

Coach Taco Relish:

“The game plan was to put the ball on the ground early and force their linebackers into making tough, calculated decisions. We used Arch and our tight ends to create mismatches, and they made some big connections in key moments. Clemson’s defense is elite, but our guys capitalized on a few LB mistakes when it mattered most.”

Q3: Finally, Coach, if you could send one message to the rest of the league after this victory, what would it be?

Coach Taco Relish:

“My message to the Country is simple there’s nothing to fear about Year 1 Clemson, but the Year 1 Texas team? That’s who you should be watching out for. We’re coming for the natty this year and the years to come.”

🐅 Coach Hunter Renfrow — Clemson Tigers

Q1: Coach, that was a heart-stopping finish. What went into your decision to go for two instead of kicking the extra point to tie the game?

Coach Hunter Renfrow:

“Well, I talked to the boys before the drive, and they told me, ‘Coach, when we score we want to go for the win.’ So I left it up to them. That kind of leadership and competitiveness is what every coach dreams of. Given the same scenario, I’d do it again every time.”

Q2: Defensively, your team made some key stops but gave up a few big plays. How do you evaluate your defense’s performance overall?

Coach Hunter Renfrow:

“It was Week 1 against a really good Texas team. Gotta give them credit they made plays. We made plays too, but they made a few more. Offensively, those two turnovers and two missed field goals gave Texas short fields and tough situations for our defense. We’ll watch the film, clean up the mistakes, and move forward. Can’t overreact it’s a long season.”

Q3: Finally, what’s your message to the rest of the league about Clemson moving forward after a game like this?

Coach Hunter Renfrow:

“This team is resilient and battle-tested. We’re not here to make noise we’re here to play Clemson football and let everything else take care of itself.”

🏆 Final Thoughts

Both coaches walked out of Week 0 with their programs trending in the right direction. Texas proved they have the firepower to go the distance, while Clemson showed the heart of a contender that won’t back down from anyone.

If this game is any indication of what’s ahead this season in The Gusto Dynasty, buckle up — it’s going to be a wild ride.