I had the chance to interview Chip Rouse, editor of Stormin in Norman, in preparation for Clemson vs Oklahoma. Here is what he said about the match-up.
I had the opportunity to talk with Chip Rouse, editor of Stormin in Norman, in preparation for the Clemson vs Oklahoma Orange Bowl match-up that will take place Thursday.
Chip was able to give me his take on the game and similarly, he asked me some questions in which you can read here. Check out what he had to say about the game from the perspective of the Oklahoma Sooners as we are just one day away from kickoff.
Q. In your mind, what are the keys for Oklahoma to beat Clemson on Thursday?
Chip: The potent Clemson offense appears to run through Tiger quarterback Deshaun Watson. He was the Heisman runner-up for good reason, after all. Applying QB pressure, keeping him uncomfortable in the pocket and not allowing him to get in a rhythm and scramble outside of the pocket and make big plays with his feet and his arm is the primary key to holding down the Clemson offense. For the Sooners to win this game, they must stop the run on defense and establish the run, both with vertical yardage and getting RBs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon involved in the passing game. Both RBs are receiving weapons out of the backfield. Lincoln Riley’s Air Raid offense is triggered by the run game.
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Q. Who are some players that we may not hear a lot about, but will make an impact in the game?
Chip: Outside of the regular cast of characters that garner the majority of the headlines, Sooners who could have a definite impact on this game include wide receivers Dede Westbrook and Durron Neal and tight end Mark Andrews on offense, On defense: most of the focus will be on All-American Eric Striker, defensive end Charles Tapper and All-Big 12 corner Zack Sanchez, but watch out for linebackers Devante Bond and Jordan Evans, both of whom ha.ve had big games this season an cornerback Jordan Thomas, who has five interceptions this season, one back of team leader Sanchez.
Q. Do you think the players and staff from Oklahoma are using last year’s loss in the Russell Athletic Bowl as extra motivation and, if so, will that lead to them playing a more “crisp” game?
Chip: Publicly the players and coaches will downplay this, but too many Sooner players were present for last year’s butt-kicking, including Baker Mayfield, who had to witness all the horror from the sidelines, having to sit out because of transfer rules. I don’t believe the redemption factor will have a major impact, but it will certainly give the OU players an added edge and chip on their shoulder to reverse the disrespect they felt in last year’s postseason matchup.
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Q. What are some strengths and weaknesses you see for both teams heading into this game?
Chip: I’m not sure there are many weaknesses on either side. Their 1 and 4 standing in the final College Football Playoff standings speak to that point. I would point out two obvious critical success factors to watch for on both sides. Oklahoma historically does not do well against mobile, dual-threat quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson. One potential vulnerability I see on the Clemson side is that the Tigers are rated as one of the top defenses in college football, but I don’t believe they have faced an offensive attack as explosive and balanced as the Sooners are going to throw at them.
Q. Who is your most valuable player and prediction for the game?
Chip: My prediction for MVP will be one of the QBs. The QB on the team team that prevails – either Mayfield or Watson will be named MVP. In general, however, I believe the team that plays the best defense will win this game.
My pick: Oklahoma 34, Clemson 30
More tigers: 5 Reasons Clemson Football will beat Oklahoma
I want to thank Chip once again for his time and for answering my questions heading into the Clemson vs Oklahoma game. What are your thoughts on the match-up Tiger fans and what is your prediction? Comment below!