Ohio State has yet to crack the Clemson code. There’s only three meetings between the two programs, but the Buckeyes have yet to breakthrough, losing in 1978 in the infamous Woody punch game, in 2013 at the Orange Bowl, and then again in 2016 in the now infamous 31-0 turd that resulted in a lot of assistant coaching changes.
It’s a small sample size, but there’s many Ohio State fans a little apprehensive about the prospects of laying another egg against a program clearly at the top of the college football world right now. The Buckeyes are also close to the pinnacle, but Clemson has two national titles in three years, and are the reigning champs after administering a public flogging to big, bad Alabama in last year’s national title game.
So, we decided to ask ourselves what makes this year different. Can we talk Ohio State fans off the ledge just a bit by providing reason why the Buckeyes might have a better shot at slaying the Tigers on December 28.
We’ll let Mark kick it off first.
Next … Mark says …
Contact/Follow Mark Russell
The 2019 edition of Ohio State football absolutely has a better shot at knocking off Clemson this year than in years past.
Make no mistake, Clemson is an elite football team. And just about every guy on that roster has College Football Playoff experience, which is a huge advantage. But one thing the Tigers don’t have is quality wins over quality opponents.
The Buckeyes have played a really difficult schedule and have excelled in every game, save the first half of the Big Ten Championship game. Every test that has been presented, the Bucks have passed with flying Scarlet and Gray colors. On top of that, this Ohio State team has looked focused at every position on the field, something we haven’t always seen in previous seasons.
To be clear, this game is going to be a battle from the opening kick and will probably have several momentum swings. However, only one of these teams has faced adversity against multiple quality opponents this year and that will be the edge the Buckeyes need on December 28.
Next … Phil’s thoughts
Contact/Follow Phil Harrison
I completely agree with Mark. I know we don’t do that very often in this roundtable, but there’s something to be said about being tested.
But there’s another reason this Ohio State team could have the goods to slay the defending national champs despite looking outclassed the last time the two matched up in 2016. It’s not too difficult either. The Buckeyes are simply a better team than the one that got thrashed 31-0 in 2016.
This team is more balanced, has more playmakers, and can win in almost any type of game thrown at it. It’s won games in which it was hard to score, ones against fast-paced teams, physical games, games played in space, and ones playing ahead, as well as coming from behind.
On top of that, the running game is one of the best in the country, it has a dual-threat Heisman finalist that can sling it around the desert air if need be, and the defense has NFL guys in the secondary ready to slow down Clemson’s passing attack.
There, is that enough for you?
Like Mark, I fully expect it to be a battle. But — and I tread lightly here — Clemson won’t be able to game plan against a more one-dimensional team like the one that tried to take down Clemson a few years ago.
Game on.
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