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

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

Writer/Interviewer

College Football Playoff Preview: Fiesta Bowl Ohio State- Clemson

Who’s ready for a party? The entire season of predictions, analysis, touchdowns, and interceptions has finally led to this: the College Football Playoff. Finally, we take steps towards finding out who the national champion will be. We reviewed the first semifinal game Here, but now we’re looking at the second semifinal game, the Fiesta Bowl. This game pits the only two non-Alabama national champions of the playoff era: #2 Ohio State and #3 Clemson. Who’s going to pull off the victory? Let’s look closer to try to find out.

#2 Ohio State

Preseason Preview: Ohio State

How They Got Here: Ohio State hasn’t been beaten, and has rarely been tested all season. They have yet to win a game by less than 11, and have beaten 3 top-15 teams (one, #8 Wisconsin, twice) on their way to a Big Ten Championship. The Buckeyes feature a defense that has allowed the fewest yards per play in the nation and an offense that is fifth in yards per play in the country. Both sides are led by Heisman finalists, as the defense features DE Chase Young while the offense is led by QB Justin Fields. Young has slowed down a bit down the stretch, but still had 16.5 sacks. Fields, on the other hand, had under 3000 yards but scored 50 touchdowns through the air and on the ground while only throwing one interception. Meanwhile, they have one of the best cornerbacks in the country in Jeff Okudah and a running back in J.K. Dobbins who has amassed over 2000 yards from scrimmage. The team is loaded with talent, and despite a hiccup in the first half against Wisconsin has largely looked dominant.

Biggest Weakness: There have been a few games this season where Ohio State has been shaky early on, specifically in the Big Ten Championship and again against Penn State. In the Penn State game particularly, they were foiled a few times by turnovers that gave the Nittany Lions a chance to score easily. Though the Buckeyes were able to recover in both instances, they may not be able to overcome a key turnover and a slow start against a team like Clemson. This team also lacks experience with both adversity and postseason play. That may have an effect against a team that has dealt with both in the Tigers. 

Injury Concerns: Justin Fields has had a balky knee for several weeks now, and just recently said in a press conference that it was “80 to 85 percent.” While it hasn’t exactly stopped him, a bad hit or an awkward fall could create a disaster scenario for the Buckeyes. 

Ohio State wins if: J.K. Dobbins gets going early, Fields is his usual efficient self and the defense plays like one of the best in the country. This is a team without many weaknesses and it should come in confident.

#3 Clemson

Preseason Preview: Clemson

How They Got Here: The Tigers have been on a mission to defend their national title, and rolled through a relatively easy schedule to the ACC Championship. They had one difficult week against a North Carolina team that surprised some people, but overall they have had a somewhat uneventful season. That doesn’t mean that the team isn’t one to get excited about, though. Trevor Lawrence, while not the Heisman finalist he was expected to be primarily due to a rough beginning to the season, has still had a good year, albeit with a few more interceptions than Clemson fans are comfortable with. Travis Etienne, though, has been phenomenal. He is tied for the lead in rushing yards per attempt at 8.2, which has added up to a stellar 1500 rushing yards on the year. And remember how I said that Ohio State has one of the best defenses in the country? Clemson might have a better one: the Tigers have allowed both fewer points and fewer yards per game. The difference is small and the Buckeyes have played better teams, but at the very least Clemson’s defense is no liability. 

Biggest Weakness: Clemson has two talented receivers in Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross, but Higgins has only good numbers and Ross’ numbers have been a bit disappointing this year. Against a secondary like Ohio State’s, Clemson’s lack of a true superstar wideout could make things rather difficult if Etienne is slowed down. 

Injury Concerns: Clemson is remarkably healthy, and nobody who was a big contributor this season is currently hurt. 

Clemson wins if: Trevor Lawrence has a nice game and Etienne has a huge one. Right now it seems that Ohio State actually has the advantage in offense and the defensive side is probably a split, but if Clemson’s major playmakers can create some major plays, it might be enough for the Tigers to move on. 

My prediction: Ohio State has looked virtually unbeatable in every game but one, and that was in their second game against the Badgers. As long as the moment doesn’t become too big, they should come away with a victory. Ohio State 35, Clemson 28. 

All statistics, game information and injury information is according to sports-reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

-By: Alex Spieldenner

Writer/Interviewer