And. Here. We. Go.
Finally, after a couple of weeks of talk, buildup, media sessions, plane flights and swag bags, it’s now time to put the product on the field. Ohio State and Clemson on just about ready to face off in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl and it feels like a bit of a coin flip.
Both teams have a ton of athleticism and speed, great coaching, and a pedigree to pull it off. In fact, this one might come down to a play or two being the difference in the sixty minute contest.
Ohio State is 0-3 all-time against Clemson, and the last time these two matchup up in 2016, it didn’t go so well. But this year could be different.
As we always do, we through it out to our contributors to provide their score predictions and rationale for which team wins the game. So here we go …
Next … the predictions
Contact/Follow Phil Harrison
Clemson 31, Ohio State 27
I think this one is actually going to be lower scoring than what the experts think because of two fantastic defenses setting the tone. But there’s too much offensive firepower to keep things down too long and both will make plays. In the end, it’s a coin-flip, but give the slight edge to Clemson who seems to have more belief based on what’s happened over the last few years.
Contact/Follow Mark Russell
Ohio State 34, Clemson 31
I expect Clemson to come out strong. As I said earlier, experience will be a big factor in this game and Clemson has plenty of it. Every player on the Tigers’ roster has playoff experience with the exception of true freshmen. With that in mind, I believe it will take the Buckeyes about a quarter to see past the bright lights and gravity of it all.
The defense will give up a couple early scores before they settle down and start bottling up the Tiger offense. Ohio State has been the most complete team in the nation all year long and shows it when needed most. The Buckeyes gets two scores late, ride J.K. Dobbins, and come out on top to play for a national championship in the Big Easy.
Contact/Follow Brock Netter
Ohio State 31, Clemson 28
Special Teams haven’t been asked to do very much this season outside of the basics. Now will be their time to shine.Both teams will get stops, but I believe it’ll be tied at 28 and Ohio State will have the ball last. Blake Haubeil drills a 35-yard field goal at the buzzer for the win.
Contact/Follow Brent Reeves
Clemson 34, Ohio State 30
Clemson having “been there” will help them Saturday night. Ohio State has a chance if it can run the ball right at Clemson, but probably need a fully healthy Fields in order to have the success they need.
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