College Football Playoff 2016: 5 keys to victory for Ohio State in Fiesta Bowl

Nov 12, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) scores a touchdown on a revers during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Seize potential opportunities from Clemson’s offense

Clemson has a top offense, but they are also prone to the turnover. This is most notable with Deshaun Watson’s 15 interceptions through 12 games, a high number for any quarterback in football.

Watson has thrown an interception in all but four games this season, four of which had him toss multiple picks. In those games, Clemson either lost or won by less than a touchdown to Troy, Louisville, Florida State and Pittsburgh. While it’s not just Watson that made these close games, him turning the ball over multiple times puts the other team’s offense is in prime position for a score or giving them momentum.

Ohio State’s defense needs to find a way to pressure Watson into forcing throws, which has led to a handful of his interceptions. If so, they can bring out their talented offense in a short-field situation to push the ball against what could be a deflated Tiger defense and score. If the Buckeyes can do this quickly and in the first half, that would be even better.

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