The moment the Ohio State coaches and players have waited an entire year for is finally here. Despite the winding road we’ve all been on during this pandemic stricken year of 2020, the path is ending exactly where Justin Fields, Chris Olave, and a whole host of others hoped it would end. Right back in the College Football Playoff against Clemson. In other words, redemption is on the doorstep.
As we do every OSU football game, we ask our writers to weigh in on what they believe will happen in this game. So, we’re doing it again in the biggest of big games.
Here is our take on what you’ll see Friday night in New Orleans, complete with final score predictions.
Next … Phil’s take
Ohio State vs. Northwestern Big Ten Championship Game Staff Predictions
Contact/Follow Phil Harrison
I want to go all homer here and pick Ohio State to get that redemption, restore the universe and cure world hunger. I do believe this is going to be one whale of a game and believe the Buckeyes belong.
However, this season has been too fragmented, disjointed, and brief for the Buckeye machine to be humming along like it normally would. This team has yet to put it all together, and I don’t think there’s been enough unity and snap counts to be a finished product. I think that unfortunately matters against a Clemson team that has many more game and practice reps under its belt.
Clemson 31, Ohio State 27
Next … Mark makes his pick
Ohio State vs. Northwestern Big Ten Championship Game Staff Predictions
Contact/Follow Mark Russell
Nobody… and I mean nobody seems to be giving Ohio State much of a chance in this game. The experts all say last year’s team was the one and it missed the opportunity. Six games haven’t been enough to prove the Buckeyes belong. And the list goes on.
It is interesting so many believe that this game will not be close. Talent-wise, Ohio State compares favorably to Clemson. But the Buckeyes haven’t shown it on the field, and, admittedly, Clemson has looked more the part.
However, in my lifetime, Ohio State has always played better when doubted. When the talking heads tell the Buckeyes all the reasons they don’t belong, they seem to show up the biggest. It was the same story in 2002 against an unbeatable Miami team. And it was the same story again in 2014/2015 when Ohio State had zero chance against both Alabama and Oregon. Remember?
This game will come down to who can control the trenches, and I believe Ohio State has better lines on both sides of the ball. It’s going to be a dog fight in a momentum-swinging, back and forth game.
The Buckeyes have heard all the naysayers. They know Dabo voted them No. 11 in the nation. This team has something to prove, and I believe they’ll find a way to come out on top in the end.
Final Score
Ohio State 34, Clemson 31
Ohio State vs. Clemson College Football Playoff semifinal preview and prediction
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