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Orange Bowl 2015, Oklahoma vs Clemson preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Cody Williams

Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Samaje Perine (32) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Samaje Perine (32) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma Sooners vs. Clemson Tigers

At long last the culmination of the 2015 college football season is upon us as the College Football Playoff semifinals will get underway on New Year’s Eve. In a rematch from last year’s bowl season, the No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners will take on the No. 1 Clemson Tigers in the 2015 Orange Bowl inside Sun Life Stadium.

Dabo Swinney’s undefeated Clemson team comes into this huge matchup without one of their young weapons on the outside after Deon Cain was suspended earlier this week for failing a drug test. However, Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson, running back Wayne Gallman, and Shaq Lawson and the Tigers defense are still more than capable of getting the job done. For Bob Stoops’ Sooners, Baker Mayfield and Samaje Perine lead the way for the offense as one of the country’s most dangerous duos, but they’ll need Eric Striker and the defense to deliver as well.

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Details for Thursday’s game are below:

Date: Thursday, Dec. 31
Start Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Miami, FL
Stadium: Sun Life Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Here
Ticket Information: For ticket information click here.

Keys to Victory

Though the loss of Deon Cain for this game for Clemson may be somewhat overblown, that’s certainly one less weapon and big-play threat for the Tigers in this game. That being said, the success of the Tigers in this game will hinge on two things. First, Wayne Gallman has to establish himself in the running game. Gallman has quietly been one of the driving forces for Dabo’s boys this season, giving the offense in Clemson much needed balance.

Gallman establishing the run plays into the other key which is Deshaun Watson maintaining his nation-leading efficiency as a passer. The Sooners are undoubtedly going to bring the pressure and, with one fewer big-time weapon on the outside, Watson keeping the Tigers offense efficient will be vital to their success in the Orange Bowl.

As for the Sooners, the key throughout the game is going to be Samaje Perine in the running game is going to be of enormous importance. Perine has been phenomenal moving the ball on the ground all season as the sophomore has been an explosive playmaker all year, but saved his best performances for the end of the season as he went for 485 rushing yards and five touchdowns over his last five games. Perine’s ability to move the ball will be a huge factor.

However, it’s impossible to talk about Oklahoma without mentioning the importance of Baker Mayfield. The transfer quarterback simply has a knack for rising up in big moments and making clutch plays. His heart and attitude that has set the tone for the Sooners all season will need to be seen in this game and the quarterback will have to be the playmaker he’s proven he can be.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Oklahoma -3.5
Moneyline: Oklahoma -175, Clemson +155
O/U: 63

Prediction

This first matchup in the College Football Playoff has all the makings of a barnburner that could go down as an instant classic. As has been customary of their team all season on their way to an undefeated record, I think that the Tigers will jump out to an early lead over the Sooners. However, Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma will come fighting back to, ultimately, pick up the Orange Bowl win and advance to the title game while handing the Tigers their first loss.

Final Score: Oklahoma Sooners: 38, Clemson Tigers: 34

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