At a Glance
- Christian Clark rushed 105 yards on 20 carries, 1 TD in Citrus Bowl win over Michigan
- Clark had 131 yards on 35 carries before the game, eight in SEC play
- Texas ran 218 yards vs Texas A&M, 235 yards vs LSU, but struggled overall
- Why it matters: Clark’s performance showcased the Longhorns’ depth and resilience after a season of injuries.
Christian Clark proved he was ready for the moment, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl as Texas defeated Michigan 41-27. The red-shirt freshman had spent the season behind Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter, but after both transfers, Clark seized the opportunity. His effort highlighted the Longhorns’ depth after a run-heavy season that saw the team record its lowest rushing total in a decade.
Clark’s Journey
Clark entered the game with 131 yards on 35 carries, eight of which came in SEC play. The 20-carry effort in the bowl nearly doubled his season total, and his first run of the game netted 22 yards. He finished with four runs of at least 10 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown on his second-quarter first carry.
Christian Clark said:
> “I knew it was going to take time. I had to be patient and keep my head down.”
Christian Clark added:
> “They kept telling me to prepare like I was the starter. I didn’t know when my opportunity would come, but as you can see, it came today. I learned a lot from them just by watching them practice. I picked their brains every day, and they had already established themselves from past years, so I’m trying to get where they are.”
Offensive line coach Kyle Flood noted that the line finally found consistency near the end of the year, allowing Clark to sprint through the huge holes the big boys made for him.
Running Game Highlights
Texas had a difficult time running the ball all season. They posted their lowest yardage total in the last decade during the regular season, even after a brief resurgence against Texas A&M where they rushed for 218 yards. A month later, they posted another strong rushing performance with 235 yards on 33 attempts.
- Clark’s 105 yards were a significant portion of Texas’s 218-yard effort against the Aggies.
- The offensive line’s newfound consistency was key to creating holes for Clark.
- The Longhorns’ depth allowed them to stay competitive despite losing key running backs.
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Clark Yards | 131 | 105 |
| Clark Carries | 35 | 20 |
The bowl game underscored the importance of depth and preparation in a season marked by injuries and transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Christian Clark’s breakout performance proved Texas’s depth after a challenging season.
- The offensive line’s consistency was critical to creating running lanes.
- The Longhorns’ resilience enabled them to win a high-scoring game against Michigan.
Clark’s breakout performance underscores the resilience of Texas’s roster and the importance of depth in a season fraught with injuries.
