Clemson Football: 3 takeaways from Fiesta Bowl win over Ohio State

With a chance to play LSU in the national title on the line, Ohio State and Clemson football battled it out in a classic Fiesta Bowl. What’d we learn?

Ohio State and Clemson came into this game being the two most dominant teams all season long. They both held the highest average scoring margins in the nation, Ohio State with +36.2 and Clemson at 35.2. Both ranked among the top five in both points per game and points per game allowed. In simpler terms, both teams have ran through their opponents and dominated on both sides of the ball.

Ohio State started off hot as JK Dobbins finished the first quarter with 141 yards and a touchdown to lead the Buckeyes to a 16-0 start.

The momentum shifted when Shaun Wade was called for targeting after a huge hit on Trevor Lawrence. The Tigers then capitalized by finishing the drive with a eight-yard rushing touchdown by Travis Etienne, followed up by 67 yard rushing score by Trevor Lawrence that put the game at 16-14 after the first half.

The second half turned into a heavyweight fight, as both teams traded shots until Clemson put the dagger in Ohio State with a 34-yard touchdown reception by Etienne to give them a 29-23 lead with 1:49 left in the game. Ohio State went on a great drive getting to the Clemson 23-yard line, but a Justin Fields interception in the end zone sealed the deal and sent Clemson to Louisiana to play LSU in the national championship.

Here are the biggest takeaways from an outstanding semifinal matchup.