What to Expect

Concerns for Ohio State
The game is expected to be a shootout. First Ohio State has looked vulnerable on defense late in this season, especially to the pass. Second Clemson has a great combination of quarterback and receivers. Third Ohio State is missing two starters who are critical to the pass defense.

Concerns for Clemson
Clemson should be vulnerable to the run. The season average of Clemson limiting teams to 152 yards is decent, but teams have had success running the ball as Georgia ran for 222 yards, Syracuse had 323 yards, and Georgia Tech had 248 yards.

The passing defense of Clemson will also be tested. Freshman safety Jayron Kearse will have his third career start. Cornerback Martin Jenkins has been dealing with injuries most of this season and was limited to two starts.

There was one common statistic found in the two Clemson losses this season which was turnovers, a total of ten turnovers in the two games, four against Florida State and six against South Carolina. In the ten victories Clemson only had ten turnovers.

How it Will Play Out

Clemson will move the ball through the air but the running game will be limited. Clemson should have 330 passing yards and 125 rushing yards. Ohio State should play to its strength and that is the running game. Ohio State will have 300 rushing yards and 200 passing yards. Ohio State will win this high scoring affair with a final score of 42-38.