College Football Playoff, Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs Clemson preview and predictions

Oct 29, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates with offensive linemen Pat Elflein (65) and Jamarco Jones (74) and wide receiver K.J. Hill (14) after scoring the final touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

What could go down in the Fiesta Bowl between Ohio State and Clemson?

The most anticipated bowl games of the season are finally here. First will be the Peach Bowl between Alabama and Washington. Afterward, we will see Clemson and Ohio State battle in the Fiesta Bowl at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix, AZ. The winners of these games will move on to the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday, January 9.

Clemson and Ohio State stand at No. 2 and 3, respectively, heading into the Fiesta Bowl. Both schools made it to this game after being placed at these spots by the CFP committee.

The Tigers are led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Deshaun Watson. He put on yet another terrific performance in the regular season with 3,914 passing yards and 37 touchdowns. The interception total had been a bit high (15), but he still nearly had an elite season to lead Clemson to its second consecutive CFP.

Behind Watson is running back Wayne Gallman and wide receiver Mike Williams, both of whom had over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns at their respective positions. They are part of this excellent offense that powered Clemson to the Fiesta Bowl and potential title game appearance.

Ohio State is back in the CFP after a year away. Their last appearance was a national championship victory over Oregon in the inaugural year of this new system.

Coming into this season, OSU had been seen as a young, inexperienced team, but they still finished 11-1 behind a top defense and an elite running game. Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel have been studs throughout the season, combining for over 1,700 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Samuel is also one of the best pass-catching running backs in the nation and actually leads the Buckeyes in receptions (65) and receiving yards (822).

Both teams have top offenses and quality defenses with plenty of potential NFL players on both sides of the ball. This should make for an exciting, entertaining and hard-fought contest.

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Ohio State’s key to victory here will be the use of their stud running backs. If Clemson doesn’t find a way to take one or both out of the game, then they may be able to run roughshod over the ACC champions. The Buckeyes will take this one, 41-34

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