Heavyweights square off
When Clemson runs
Wayne Gallman is a dangerous back. In the biggest games, QB Deshaun Watson becomes a pivotal piece of the rushing attack. Led by a very good front seven, Ohio State has held opponents to 3.3 yards per carry, 118 yards per game and five rushing touchdowns.
EDGE: Ohio State
When Clemson passes
Watson remains one of college football’s best playmakers, but he has thrown 15 interceptions. He has tal- ented receivers and the ability to pick apart a defense. Ohio State ranks fifth nationally in passing defense.
EDGE: Clemson
When Ohio State runs
Freshman back Mike Weber (1,072 yards, nine touchdowns) has been a potent weapon in replacing Ezekiel Elliott. Quarterback J.T. Barrett averages 70.6 rushing yards per game, and the attack is supplemented by Curtis Samuel, a bigplay threat at H-back. Despite having to rebuild the defensive line, Clemson has held opponents to 125.8 rushing yards per game. EDGE: Ohio State
When Ohio State passes
The Buckeyes have been hit or miss in the passing game, not consistently producing on vertical routes. Clemson has held foes to 188.2 passing yards per game and ranks No. 3 nationally in sacks, averaging 3.5 per game.
EDGE: Clemson
Special teams
Clemson’s special-teams units have been pedestrian. Urban Meyer has long emphasized special teams, and the Buckeyes have been solid, except in two big games. In his first 11 games, Ohio State kicker Tyler Durbin’s only missed field goal attempt was a block — at Penn State, returned for the winning touchdown — until he missed two against Michigan. But with seconds left, Durbin hit a field goal to force overtime.
EDGE: Ohio State
Coaching
Meyer is 61-5 in five seasons at Ohio State and 165-28 overall. He has three national titles. In nine years at Clemson, Dabo Swinney is 87-28.
EDGE: Ohio State