The Texas Longhorns appear to be in good shape as they prepare for their College Football Playoff opening game against the Clemson Tigers this Saturday in Austin. However, one player’s health remains a point of concern: standout wide receiver Isaiah Bond. Fortunately, his recovery seems to be progressing well, offering a glimmer of hope for his return. Head coach Steve Sarkisian provided an update, stating, “Bond is improving, which is great for us. He is showing great progress.” Despite this optimism, many fans are urging caution, asking Sarkisian to sideline Bond for the game to avoid further aggravating his injury.
Bond initially suffered a severe ankle sprain during Texas’s loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship earlier this month, which worsened his condition. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Bond’s chances of playing against Clemson remain slim. Thamel noted that Bond has been limited in football activities this week, focusing primarily on rehabilitation, and might be a game-time decision. This indicates Bond needs more time to fully recover and regain peak performance.
Given these circumstances, many Texas supporters argue that playing Bond against Clemson would be a risky decision. The potential for further injury could jeopardize not just his contribution to this game but also his availability for future matchups. With the Longhorns having a strong chance of advancing in the playoffs, resting Bond now could ensure his readiness for critical games down the line.
Sources: Texas WR Isaiah Bond faces long odds to play against Clemson this weekend, as he recovers from a high ankle sprain. He may end up a game-time decision on Saturday, but has done limited football activity this week and has been focused on rehab work. pic.twitter.com/dr5fSaoZRg
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 20, 2024
Bond’s season has been impressive, with 33 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns, ranking him third among Texas’s receivers. His athleticism and skill set make him a key player for Sarkisian’s offense, but his health remains the priority. Some fans suggest focusing on Texas’s other talented receivers, such as Ryan Wingo, Jordan Whittington, and H. McMartin, to fill the void. Wingo, in particular, has shown promise, with a standout performance of 70 yards on four catches against Colorado State. Fans believe the depth in the Longhorns’ receiving corps is sufficient to secure a victory without risking Bond’s health.
Analysts currently favor Texas in the matchup, with a win probability of 80.4%, while Clemson holds a 19.6% chance of pulling off an upset. This projection gives further credence to the argument for resting Bond, as Texas is considered capable of advancing even without him. Fans have expressed their confidence in the team, with one stating, “Good. Sit him. No need to rush him back—we can beat Clemson without him.”
If Texas defeats Clemson, their next opponent will likely be Arizona State in the semifinals. Winning that game could set them up for a matchup against a top-seeded team in the championship. Fans are calling for a strategic approach to maximize Bond’s availability for these crucial games. Comments on social media reflect this sentiment, with supporters urging Bond to focus on recovery. “Get healthy! We are going to need you for the next three games,” one fan wrote.
The final decision lies with Steve Sarkisian and the coaching staff. Many believe that giving Bond additional time to heal is the wisest choice, especially with the potential for three more high-stakes games on the horizon. Whether Texas opts to rest their star receiver or take a calculated risk by playing him against Clemson, the outcome will have significant implications for their championship aspirations.