Fiesta Bowl Recap: Clemson, Ohio State Clash in a Classic

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If there were doubts that either Clemson or Ohio State had an artificially inflated record, those should have been put to rest tonight. In what was one of the most exciting semifinal games in college football history, the two undefeated teams clashed in an intense, back-and-forth affair that ended with a Clemson victory.

Ohio State jumped out to an early lead, scoring 16 points in a row to open the game. That total likely could have been higher, but the Buckeyes went 0 for 3 in the red zone, the only touchdown coming on a 68-yard touchdown from JK Dobbins. These points would come back to bite them later, and the first momentum swing towards Clemson came on a targeting penalty that not only extended a drive but also caused defensive back Shaun Wade to be ejected. After the targeting penalty, what had been a fierce, aggressive and fast Ohio State defense became vulnerable, and a Clemson offense that couldn’t seem to find its footing suddenly came alive, with touchdowns coming off an eight-yard Travis Etienne run and a deflating, outlook-changing 67-yard Trevor Lawrence run.

The Tigers gained the lead on a touchdown pass in the third quarter to Travis Etienne. This was yet another drive that was extended by a penalty, with a roughing the kicker foul giving a stalled Clemson more life. The game went slowly from there until the fourth quarter, when a fourth-down touchdown pass to Chris Olave put the Buckeyes back in front. Ryan Day’s defense was then able to get a stop, but the offense couldn’t score to put the game away, giving Trevor Lawrence the ball back with around three minutes to go. He promptly led a touchdown drive with about 1:40 left, forcing Justin Fields to try to mount a drive to save the season. The Ohio State offense made progress, but an interception in the end zone ended the game.

It was a brutal game, with multiple players leaving the field at different times due to injury. JK Dobbins, Jeff Okudah, Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross all left the game for different periods. It was also a game marked by mistakes, with the Buckeyes making mental mistakes and Clemson’s more disciplined team taking full advantage. Both teams will likely be back next year, though, as both quarterbacks are returning for at least one more season before leaving for the draft.

Clemson will play LSU in the national championship game on January 13th.

Game stats according to ESPN.com, game details verified by the same and ESPN’s play-by-play log.

-By: Alex Spieldenner