AUSTIN, Texas – New conference, new playoff format and the Longhorns’ first ever home playoff game posed no problem as the University of Texas advanced to the next round of the College Football Playoff after a win against Clemson.

“I’m ready to get back to that feeling from 2005,” said Bryan Ortiz, a lifelong UT fan.

Ortiz was born and raised in Austin. He said the atmosphere in the city was unlike anything he had experienced on a game day.

“It’s the playoffs. It’s different,” he said. “It’s not just the regular season. We don’t put the ‘L’ in the chalk. It’s a matter of make it or go home. It’s a big deal.”

Four weeks ago, Longhorn fans celebrated what they thought would be their final home game and tailgate of the season against Kentucky. After the playoff round was announced, fans were treated to one last home game at the DKR Stadium.

Christian Edwards is the production manager for one of the downtown tailgates. He said his team and he wouldn’t know whether they would have a tailgate until the middle of this week. Edwards said every tailgate this season has received a 10 out of 10, but this one was even better.

“It was around 11,” he said. “It was exhilarating in the sense of how happy everyone was, and it’s so nice that the holidays are around the corner too.”

ALSO: Austin police are investigating after a man was found dead in a vehicle in southeast Austin

Jack Andrew was a volunteer Longhorn fan that day.

“They just really take you in and act like family,” he said of Longhorn fans. “The drinks were cold, which is nice. Nobody likes the warm beer. Ready for the Longhorns.”

With Saturday’s win, Texas will advance to the next round of the College Football Playoff and seek its first national championship since 2005.

“We’re looking forward to competing,” Ortiz said. “’05 was a long time. It’s been 19 years, obviously we’re ready to get back to that national championship conversation.”