Here’s what we learned from the Clemson Tigers dismantling the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
The Clemson Tigers were bound and determined to get their rematch with the Alabama Crimson Tide in the National Championship Game. On Saturday night, Clemson dismantled the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl.
It was never a contest at all, as they kept Ohio State off the board the entire game and flexed their defensive muscles. What was clear is that Deshaun Watson is the man to give his team the best chance of defeating Alabama and this team is as focused as they have ever been. Here’s what we learned from the Fiesta Bowl.
3. Ohio State has to find an answer at quarterback
The Buckeyes were abysmal on offense under J.T. Barrett. Once again, they struggled to put up points and did not look like a playoff team with their performance. Urban Meyer’s recruits are going to have to step up next year and get this offense going in the right direction.
2. Clemson’s defense is the strength of their team
The Tigers are loaded on offense with players such as Mike Williams and Watson. However, their defense is the strength of their team yet again and they proved it with the shutout. Ben Boulware is the emotional leader of the defense and he gets everyone in the right spot. Their secondary can make big interceptions and the defensive line has the ability to get after the quarterback. Alabama has to be ready.
1. Jalen Hurts has to be better than J.T. Barrett
For those that watched the Peach Bowl before the Fiesta Bowl, it was clear that Jalen Hurts was struggling against a great Washington defense. However, he did carry the ball quite a bit and really fought through their defense the best he could. It was a fantastic learning experience for him. He’s going to have to be better than that against Clemson. If he can’t move the ball down the field, then Clemson’s going to take advantage. This will be the biggest test for him yet.