SUGAR BOWL NO. 2 CLEMSON VS. NO. 3 OHIO STATE
If it seems as if Ohio State and Clemson face off every year in the College Football Playoff, you wouldn’t be far off.
The Sugar Bowl matchup between the Buckeyes and the Tigers will be the third semifinal clash between the schools in the last five seasons.
Clemson won the previous two meetings, both in the Fiesta Bowl. Last year’s game had a dramatic ending when Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields threw a late interception in the end zone.
Here are three keys to victory for each team:
CLEMSON
Get Travis Etienne going: The running back had a solid but unspectacular return for his senior season despite being one of the top talents in the country. Much of the blame falls to an inconsistent offensive line. Etienne managed just 28 yards on 18 carries in the team’s loss to Notre Dame before breaking out in the rematch. The balance his treat provides on offense makes quarterback Trevor Lawrence more effective in the passing game.
Contain Justin Fields: The Tigers’ defense, ranked sixth in yards allowed, has been strong throughout the season but hasn’t faced a dual-threat quarterback as talented as Fields. What Clemson has to be wary of allowing Fields to escape the pocket and make plays with his feet. These scrambles, especially on third down, can be disheartening as they extend drives and keep the defense on the field.
Stay patient: It’s very easy to panic in game of this magnitude. But Clemson needs to follow the lesson of last season if it gets behind early. Ohio State jumped out to a 16-0 lead before the Tigers were able to get themselves into the game with two touchdowns late in the second quarter. If turnovers or mistakes happen and the team gets down, history has shown Clemson can rally. No need to abandon the game plan or press.
OHIO STATE
Take pressure off Fields: This might seem counterintuitive with Fields being one of the top players in the country, but the Big Ten championship game showed the Buckeyes don’t have to throw to generate offense. Trey Sermon’s school-record 331 yards against Northwestern illustrated what happens if teams don’t commit to stopping the run against Ohio State. This also is important with Fields nursing a thumb injury that could impact his consistency throwing.
Mix things up on Lawrence: The Ohio State secondary has come under great scrutiny this year. Indiana’s Michel Penix Jr. threw for 491 yards and other quarterbacks took advantage of shaky coverage. That doesn’t bode well against Lawrence and a group of talented receivers. So how do the Buckeyes protect its weakest link? They have to find the right recipe of alternating pressure on Lawrence and playing coverage. Keep him guessing so he cannot get comfortable in the pocket.
Thrive on special teams: Buckeyes punter Drue Crisman is one of the best in the nation and can be effective in pinning Clemson deep in its territory. A big play from the kickoff or punt return units that have been ordinary can bring momentum and flip the field. Placekicker Blake Haubeil needs to convert makable field goals and deliver if there is a clutch kick required in crunchtime.