Clemson must bring a crowd to stop Dobbins

CLEMSON, S.C. -- While studying film in preparation for the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal, Clemson linebacker Chad Smith noticed a recurring theme. Wherever Ohio State running J.K. Dobbins carried the ball, he drew a crowd.

“You normally don't see that type of running back go down just by one player,” Smith said. “He's fast. He's quick. He'll make you miss, but he'll also run you over.”

Dobbins specializes in embarrassing defenders in the open field. He is strong enough to run through halfhearted arm tackles. He is fast enough to run by poor pursuit angles.

Smith concluded that Clemson’s best method to contain Dobbins is not with force, but with reinforcements.

“It's going to take a lot of hats to the ball to be able to bring him down,” Smith said. “It's gang tackling. We have to make sure everybody's running to the ball. You can’t relax on defense.”

Clemson effectively employed the swarming strategy earlier this season, against a back who is similarly elusive and explosive.

“The closest we've seen to Dobbins, with similarities in running style, is probably (Florida State running back Cam) Akers,” Clemson linebacker James Skalski said. “Physical runner. Explosive. When they put their foot in the ground, they're getting upfield. Can catch it. Breaks tackles. You have to tackle really well to get him down. No arm tackles.”

Clemson limited Akers to 34 yards on nine carries and 1.2 yards under the yards per carry average he compiled in his other 10 games.

Skalski acknowledged that Dobbins will run behind a much better offensive line than Akers. Thus, he may reach the second level of Clemson's defense more cleanly and more often.

Dobbins averaged 140.7 yards a game and 6.5 yards a carry through his previous 13 outings. He rushed for 20 touchdowns. According to advanced statisticians Pro Football Focus, Dobbins averaged 3.84 yards after contact.

According to Skalski, tackling has been a perpetual priority in practice this season. Even after collecting 90 total tackles, the second highest total on the team, Skalski is dissatisfied with his performance.

“That's something definitely that I need to improve on. I've been very inconsistent this year. I think everyone who has watched the games, you can see that for yourself,” Skalski said, before listing his checklist to sharpen his tackling tools through the next week of bowl preparation. “Footwork. Running your arms. Running your feet through tackles. Staying square. Getting back in the lab. Getting that practice and really straining yourself.”

Skalski contended that the defense has the appropriate edge to face Dobbins.

“We won 62 to 17, and we're pissed,” Skalski said.