Clemson football: Tigers short-handed vs. Buckeyes in Sugar Bowl

Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers. (Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)
Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers. (Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Clemson will be without two key players in their Sugar Bowl matchup against Ohio State.

The Sugar Bowl matchup between Clemson and Ohio State could be another instant classic, but both teams will have a few prominent players out for the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Clemson will be without Xavier Thomas who has been in and out of the lineup much of the season and wide receiver Joseph Ngata who is still recovering from abdominal surgery he had in late November. Ohio State will be without running back Master Teague, among others. Either way, Clemson football fans and Ohio State football fans should be excited for the Sugar Bowl.

Clemson football players out for the Sugar Bowl

The winner between No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Ohio State will face the winner of the 2021 Rose Bowl between the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide and the No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the national championship. It feels like a collision course for Alabama to meet Clemson yet again in the College Football Playoff. The only thing holding Clemson back is a strong game from Ohio State.

Ohio State football players out for the Sugar Bowl

Once again, this game is being played in the midst of a global pandemic. We should be ecstatic that we have even gotten this far this season. Regardless of what happens in the Sugar Bowl and beyond that, we will be able to crown a legitimate champion in college football. Then again, some people will be livid if an 8-0 Ohio State team ends up winning the whole shebang.

Who is going to win the Sugar Bowl between Clemson and Ohio State?

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