Clemson is a really good team and if they pull out the victory again against Ohio State, very few people could honestly say it was a shocking win. The Buckeyes are really the first team to match up well with Clemson this season (the first Notre Dame game had Lawrence and others out). Should Ohio State not do what it needs to contain Lawrence and Etienne, Clemson could walk out victors.
We’ve got three reasons Clemson could create some College Football Playoff size headaches for Ohio State, and it starts with the obvious, Trevor Lawrence. However, Lawrence isn’t the only reason Clemson could give the Buckeyes fits. Let’s examine the three ways Clemson could be a problem down in the Bayou if things unfold a certain way.
NEXT…Trevor Lawrence is given time
Trevor Lawrence gets too comfortable
Trevor Lawrence is a well-known commodity at quarterback for Clemson. He can beat teams with both his arm and feet if given the opportunity. The key for Ohio State is to not let him get comfortable in the pocket and not allow him to break contain. Lawrence can struggle if he can’t get through his progressions and he is a touch slow at times progressing through his reads.
Should Ohio State have a problem putting some heat on Lawrence the second and third reads by him will absolutely kill the Buckeye defense. Last year, the OSU also learned Lawrence can run the ball and likes to move around if given the chance. Letting Lawrence do what he does best will be a huge reason Ohio State could be disappointed in this one.
NEXT…Travis Etienne gets to the edge
The defense has to set the edge to stop Travis Etienne
I have said it more than once, Travis Etienne is a problem. However, he is only a problem if he gets into space, either by hitting the edge or in the passing game. This is where the Buckeyes’ defensive ends and edge linebackers will come into play in stopping Etienne.
They’ll have to get to the outside to stop Etienne and force him back towards the middle where there’s help. If he’s forced back inside, but the interior can’t stop Etienne between the tackles then it could be a long game. The Clemson running back tends to struggle between the tackles and that’s how OSU has to contain the All-American.
NEXT…Justin Fields takes too many chances
Justin Fields has to play in control and within the game
One of the biggest reasons Clemson could beat the Ohio State is if we see a repeat performance from Justin Fields like we saw against Indiana or Northwestern. Should Fields try to do too much as he did in those games, Clemson has the ability to pull away.
Fields must play with what Clemson gives him. Ryan Day and his staff have to allow Fields to run to keep the defense honest and play less aggressively in coverage. If Fields can keep Clemson guessing and not try to beat them in one shot, the Buckeyes can win this game. Should Fields try to get too risky and go for broke too often, well — winning will be difficult in the Big Easy.
