CFP semifinal: What Clemson must do to beat Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl
No. 3 seed Clemson has a chance to reach the national title game for the fourth time in five seasons with a win over No. 2 seed Ohio State in Saturday’s Fiesta Bowl. The Tigers are two-point favorites heading into the matchup.
Here are five keys to victory for Clemson heading into the College Football Playoff semifinal:
1. Slow down J.K. Dobbins
Ohio State’s star running back has more than 1,800 yards on the season and has rushed for more than 150 yards in seven of the past 13 games. Dobbins has been at his best late in the year and in the biggest games as he combined for 540 yards on 100 carries the past three games against Wisconsin, Michigan and Penn State. Dobbins is a true workhorse back, and if the Buckeyes can establish him early, Clemson’s defense will be in trouble.
2. Get pressure on Justin Fields
The sophomore quarterback has been sacked 27 times this season, due in part to his tendency to hold onto the ball too long. Clemson’s defensive line has been solid but has struggled to get after the passer this year, as the defensive line has only 17.5 sacks of Clemson’s 38, with the back seven recording the other 20.5. If Xavier Thomas, Logan Rudolph or Justin Foster can consistently put pressure on Fields, it would keep the Tigers from having to blitz as much and take a little pressure off of the back seven. Fields has 40 touchdowns and one interception in 2019 and is dangerous when he has time.
3. Don’t let Chase Young wreck the game
The Ohio State defensive end is arguably the best defender in the country and can change a game in a heartbeat. Young has 16.5 sacks and six forced fumbles this season, and if he can create a turnover in what should be a close game, the Tigers could be in trouble. Clemson left tackle Jackson Carman and right tackle Tremayne Anchrum will have the task of trying to block Young, although tight ends and running backs will need to help as well.
4. Make plays against Ohio State’s DBs
Ohio State has by far the best secondary Clemson has seen and one of the best in the country. The Buckeyes allow 148 passing yards per game, which is second nationally behind No. 1 Clemson. OSU’s secondary is led by Jeff Okudah, who is a potential top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross and the rest of Clemson’s receivers have made big plays in the passing game all year and will need to continue to do that on Saturday.
5. Play well on special teams
If there has been one weakness on Clemson’s team this season it has been special teams. B.T. Potter has been inconsistent, making only 12-of-19 field goals. All seven of his misses have been from 49 yards and in. Punter Will Spiers is averaging 42.5 yards per punt, which isn’t bad, but he has also had some struggles with consistency.
Prediction: These teams are very even in just about every category. Ohio State is No. 1 in scoring offense, while Clemson is No. 4. Clemson is No. 1 in scoring defense, while Ohio State is No. 2. With Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Higgins, Ross and a veteran offensive line, Clemson is talented enough to score on anyone. But the Buckeyes have plenty of talent on offense as well, and should be able to expose some flaws on Clemson’s defensive front that others have been unable to. The Tigers win a back-and-forth shootout to reach the national title game for the fourth time in five years.
Prediction: Clemson 38, Ohio State 34
This story was originally published December 27, 2019 at 5:53 PM with the headline "CFP semifinal: What Clemson must do to beat Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl."
