Clemson, Ohio State football face off in one of best semifinal games ever

Ohio State football has been dominant all season long. But can the Buckeyes keep their championship hopes alive against the Clemson Tigers?

On Saturday we could see one of the greatest games of not only this season, but of all-time, take place as the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Clemson Tigers meet in the Fiesta Bowl for a spot in the National Championship Game. Both the Buckeyes and Tigers enter the game undefeated and on win streaks that date back to last season.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are led by a trio of Heisman-talented players on both sides of the ball. Justin Fields and J.K. Dobbins lead a balanced and prolific offense that was one of the best in the country. The Buckeyes’ defense ran pace with their offense, ranking among the best in almost every statistical category, thanks in part to the nation’s best player: Chase Young.

On the other side of the field, the Clemson Tigers have been just as dominant in a lesser conference. Although the Tigers went undefeated, they have yet to be tested this season. But as the defending national champion with a 28-game win streak, and a point differential of just under 36 points per game, the Tigers have nothing else left to prove.

The last time these two met was in a very similar situation, but was all Clemson as they defeated the Buckeyes 31-0. But these are two different teams this time around and the Buckeyes look hungry to start of the Ryan Day Era with a national championship. However, the Tigers are the defending champs for a reason and will make Ohio State earn their ticket to New Orleans.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s game between Ohio State and Clemson:

Date: Saturday, Dec. 28
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Glendale, Ariz.
Venue: State Farm Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

For the Ohio State Buckeyes, they need to avoid a slow start like the one they had in the Big Ten title game. The Tigers are a team that can hold onto a lead and are not one-dimensional, providing multiple ways to keep the Buckeyes guessing.

Offensively, they need to balance their attack out as they have all season, but getting Fields settled in early on will determine how good their offense will be. The Buckeyes defense will rely on the pressure of Chase Young and the rest of the defensive line. The Buckeyes have talented linebackers and one of the best secondaries in the country that will provide excellent support if their line can force some errant throws.

For the Clemson Tigers, their success will rely on quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Although the stats don’t say as so, Lawrence is the best quarterback in the country and is almost a lock for the number one pick in the 2021 draft. This could arguably be the best defense he has played in his two-year career. On defense, the Tigers need to contain Fields in the pocket. Fields ability to tuck it and run and/or throw it on the run will provide the spark needed for the Buckeyes if the Tigers cannot stop him.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of The Action Network

Point Spread: Clemson -2
Over/under: 63.5

Prediction

This game is has it all: Two undefeated teams with elite quarterbacks, big play running backs and stellar defenses. This game has the making of being an instant classic so make sure you’re tuned in and don’t ever get out of your seat!

The battle in the trenches will be the determining factor in this heavyweight match up. Both the Buckeyes and the Tigers have speed, strength and athleticism across their offensive and defensive lines. The Tigers strike first to kick things off but the Buckeyes quickly tie things up. And that score is all that is needed for Ohio State to open this game up. A couple defensive stops and big plays by Fields has the Buckeyes up by 10 at halftime.

Clemson makes it a game in the third quarter, as the two teams trade scores on several possessions. But a Trevor Lawrence interception midway through the fourth quarter leads to a Buckeyes’ touchdown that ices the game for Ohio State. The Fiesta Bowl lives up to the hype but the Buckeyes are the ones that come out on top.

Final Score: Ohio State 41, Clemson 31