2016 College Football Playoff Semifinal Picks and Predictions: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Clemson Tigers

2016 College Football Playoff Semifinal Picks and Predictions – Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Clemson Tigers: The final game of 2016 should be a classic when the second-ranked Clemson Tigers meet the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl. The Tigers will be attempting to get back to the national title game for the second year in a row while the Buckeyes will be looking for a shot at its second national title in three seasons. Ohio State enters the matchup as a 3-point favorite.

Despite being the most inexperienced team in the country, the Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes were able to return to the College Football Playoff this season. Yes, there was some controversy since they didn’t even win the Big Ten, but with the fewest losses in the conference and several marquee wins, they got the nod. Quarterback J.T. Barrett is the leader of an offense that can be wildly inconsistent, and all-purpose back Curtis Samuel is a game-changing player. The defense was one of the most opportunistic and explosive units in the country, ranking inside the top 10 in turnovers forced and third in total defense.

Clemson was expected to be in this spot when the season began, and despite a several close calls and a loss to Pittsburgh, the Tigers won the ACC and are back in the playoffs. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is the headliner, and the dual-threat weapon can be a one-man wrecking crew when he is on top of his game. Clemson’s defense has been inconsistent at times, but there is no denying that the Tigers boast one of the best pass rushes in the country.

The Buckeyes Win If:

For the Buckeyes to win the game, their offense has to show up, especially the downfield passing attack. Barrett and company have scored 45 or more points six times this year, but the same group could barely move the ball against Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State. If the Buckeyes can’t establish the threat of explosive plays, Clemson’s pass rush is going to blitz early and often and make life tough for Barrett. Defensively, the Buckeyes have to take advantage of Watson’s tendency to take risks. Watson tossed 15 interceptions this year, and a couple of a turnovers could be game changing for Ohio State. The Buckeyes don’t want a shootout, but if they find a decent rhythm on offense, they will give their defense a chance to do the rest.

The Tigers Win If:

Clemson’s biggest enemy this season has usually been itself. Turnovers on offense and breakdowns on defense have been common, so playing mistake-free football will be the top priority for Dabo Swinney’s group. Ohio State’s defense has thrived on turnovers, and if Watson and company protect the ball, they will be taking away one of the Buckeyes’ biggest advantages. Defensively, Clemson needs to dominate Ohio State’s offensive line. Meyer’s offense relies on rhythm and tempo, and the Buckeyes won’t be able to establish either if Barrett is running for his life. If this game comes down to which offense can make more plays, Watson and the Tigers will be in great shape.

The Bottom Line:

The Buckeyes have looked like a national title contender at times this year, but it is hard to overlook their offensive struggles down the stretch. More importantly, it is hard to overlook their struggles on offense against defenses with strong pass rushes. In the loss to Clemson and double-overtime win against Michigan, Barrett was sacked a combined 14 times. Right tackle Isaiah Prince has had all kinds of issues, and I expect a Tigers defense ranked second in the country in sacks to exploit that matchup all night long. Throw in the fact that Watson played some of his best football in the final month of the season, and I just don’t see the Buckeyes making enough plays to win this one.

Prediction: Clemson Tigers (+3) Cover the Spread

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