Okay, it’s almost time for the biggest of the big ones. Ohio State and Clemson are finishing up their preparations for one of the College Football Playoff national semifinals, and doing it all in the desert at the Playstation Fiesta Bowl. And it’s Friday, so it’s time for our weekly roundtable we like to call the Buckeye Battle Cry.
So far there’s been a lot of build up and a lot of talk, but it’s almost time to put the pads on, strap up the helmets and settle it all on the field. Oh but wait. Seems like nobody is giving Ohio State a shot in this one because last time the two met, the Buckeyes got taken behind the woodshed to the tune of a 31-0 drubbing.
But it’s a completely different team on both sidelines so that should mean little in this one. In fact, Ohio State has some advantages over this Clemson team. On that note, we decided to ask our contributors the one thing about this Buckeye squad that could mean all the difference in beating the defending champions and moving on to New Orleans for a national championship.
Have at it Mark.
Next … Mark’s belief
Contact/Follow Mark Russell
For me, the advantage for Ohio State starts in the trenches. Most will go right to Chase Young and company on the defensive side of things, but I’m talking about the Buckeye offensive line.
The defensive line gets all the headlines, as they should, with as much disruption as they cause in the backfield. However, it’s the guys on the other side that I believe will give Ohio State an advantage over Clemson on Saturday.
Led by All-American Wyatt Davis and a slew of All-Conference selections, these guys have just quietly gone about doing their job and doing it well. They have opened gaping holes for JK Dobbins (over 1,800 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns), as well as giving Justin Fields ample time in the pocket.
Need further proof? Backup running back, Master Teague, was voted a third team All-Conference selection by both coaches and media and finished sixth in rushing yards in the Big Ten. And Teague would be the first to tell you he didn’t get those accolades without some help from the guys up front.
Clemson has a great defense. But if the Tigers have a weakness, it’s defending the run. For the Buckeyes to have a chance in Tempe, the O-line will need to continue their dominance opening lanes for Dobbins and keeping Fields off his back.
Next … Phil’s thoughts
Contact/Follow Phil Harrison
Mark, you sort of stole my thunder there. Great minds think alike I guess. By far, to me, the biggest area where Ohio State can make some magic and have a shot at this thing is its ability to lean on the Clemson defensive line. The Tigers lost some really talented guys up front and replaced and reloaded, but it’s a smaller unit similar to what Michigan threw against the Buckeyes.
There may not be some immediate dividends early on in the run game, but I believe if the coaching staff sticks to it and continues to pound J.K. Dobbins, it’ll pay off in the second half. Now, to do that, the defense has to play well and allow the game plan to take shape, but even defensive coordinator Brent Venables knows that area of the Clemson D wasn’t a strength coming into this year.
He has used more varied looks instead of just rushing four and covering up on the back end because of it. That’s why you see Butkus Award winner Isaiah Williams lining up all over the place and used the way he is.
So… go and have a day Dobbins. I think he almost has to be the MVP for Ohio State to move on to New Orleans.
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