Ohio State Football: 3 keys to victory in 2019 Fiesta Bowl vs. Clemson

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 23: Justin Hilliard #47 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates with teammates /bbd4 #4 and Jeff Okudah #1 after intercepting a Penn State Nittany Lions pass in the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn State 28-17. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Buckeye secondary on the spot

Clemson is a well balanced team that can beat you on the ground or through the air. Wide receiver Tee Higgins is an superstar and a projected first round pick. The Buckeye secondary must be on its toes.

Higgins was quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s top target this season. The junior from Oak Ridge, Tennessee topped the 1,000 yard mark this season while finding the end zone 13 times. While Lawrence will spread the ball around, Higgins is a big time threat to create a game changing play at any moment.

Assigned to keeping Higgins in check will be cornerback Jeff Okudah. A projected first round pick himself, possibly in the top five, Okudah is a shut down corner. This season he had 30 total tackles, but more importantly seven passes defensed, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Offensive coordinators must game plan where Okudah is on the field at all times and stay away.

Unfortunately for Clemson, Okudah will be guarding their best receiver. It may open it up to some of the other Tiger receivers getting the ball. This is where the rest of the Buckeye secondary must step up and not let Lawrence beat them.

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