Fiesta Bowl 2016: Ohio State vs Clemson
By Brad Weiss
The 46th Playstation Fiesta Bowl will take place on December 31, 2016, featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes and Clemson Tigers playing for a shot at the national title.
On New Years Eve, one of the two College Football Playoff semifinal games will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in the 46th annual Playstation Fiesta Bowl. The Ohio State Buckeyes and Clemson Tigers will do battle for a shot in the College Football National Championship, in what should be one of the better college football games of the year. To be honored as one of the final four teams in the tournament is an incredible feat in itself, but teams at this point can smell a national title.
The Clemson Tigers will be looking to avenge their loss in last year’s National Championship Game, where they allowed Alabama to score 24 points in the fourth quarter. The No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff last year, the Tigers pulled to within five points with under a minute left against Alabama on a Deshaun Watson touchdown pass, but that would be all she wrote. If Alabama can win their playoff game, it could set up a repeat of what was an instant classic last year in the desert.
Ohio State heads into their matchup fresh off an 11-1 record, with their only loss coming at the hands of Penn State. That loss enabled Penn State to win the Big Ten East, though the Buckeyes are clearly one of the best teams in the country, and earned a spot in the playoff despite not playing in a conference championship game. The Buckeyes are fresh off a huge overtime victory against rival Michigan in their regular season finale, and will have an opportunity to win their second Fiesta Bowl in a row.
Both teams were well deserving of their place in the final four, and while the Alabama Crimson Tide are the odds on favorite to win it all, these programs have the talent to be the last team standing. Ohio State won the National Championship in 2015, and head coach Urban Meyer would love nothing more than to add a second title as the head coach of the Buckeyes. For Clemson, they just want another shot at the title, as they certainly must feel they let it slip away last year.
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Players to Watch
Ohio State Offense
Quarterback J.T. Barrett is having an incredible season under center, as he finally is fully entrenched in the starting role. The Buckeyes employ a freshman at the running back position, and he has been as good as advertised this season. Mike Weber Jr. is a fearless back who showed his strength and speed against Michigan last week. Curtis Samuel is a do-everything player who can hurt you as a wide receiver and running back.
Ohio State Defense
Nick Bosa is only a freshman, but he is an absolute freak on the Buckeyes defense. In the secondary, Malik Hooker leads the way at safety, but the team also features two potential first-round talents at the cornerback spots in Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore. Also, look for some big plays from Raekwon McMillan inside at the linebacker position, as he brings the hurt in the run game.
Clemson Offense
Deshaun Watson is the team leader at quarterback, and he also could be up for the Heisman Trophy this season. Wide receiver Mike Williams is a first-round talent at the position, and he will certainly make some circus catches during the Fiesta Bowl. Running back Wayne Gallman is one of the better backs in the ACC, and if he gets going, it could spell trouble the Ohio State defense.
Clemson Defense
Ben Boulware is a senior linebacker who is sure to make an impact in the Fiesta Bowl, as he is the kind of player that his teammates rally around. In the secondary, cornerback Cordrea Tankersley is a first-round talent, and he is certain to be on the Buckeyes best receiver. Defensive lineman Carlos Watkins should factor in the run game, as he needs to have a big day if the Tigers are going to shut down Weber.