Clemson football: Does Ohio State have the advantage?

Does Ohio State have the advantage over Clemson football?

The Clemson football team will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes tonight in the Sugar Bowl with major stakes at play.

The winner of this game will not only have bragging rights in the worst way possible, but they’ll also advance to the National Championship.

As we prepare for the big-time CFB Playoff semifinal, here’s a breakdown of how the two teams match up and what advantages they’ll have.

How Clemson football and Ohio State match up on the field

Ohio State offense vs. Clemson defense:

When Ohio State has the ball, Tiger fans better watch out. OSU QB Justin Fields is a top-five pick in next year’s NFL Draft. The Buckeyes also have the best pair of wide receivers that Clemson has faced all season in Chris Olave and Garrett Williams.

In addition to the talent on the outside, OSU also boasts two explosive runners in Trey Sermon and Master Teague in the backfield.

Though the Buckeyes’ offensive line has struggled at times, the RPO game with Fields is a dangerous weapon. Fields doesn’t have the injured knee like last time and he’s likely to run the ball close to 10 times or more before the night is over.

Clemson’s defense will have to be disciplined in the run game and the secondary will have to find a way to keep up with these two dynamic receivers. It all starts up-front, though, with creating pressure and getting to Justin Fields.

The chess match between Ryan Day and Brent Venables is going to be fun to watch.

Who has the advantage? Slightly to Ohio State

Clemson offense vs. Ohio State defense:

When the Tigers have the ball, it’s a completely different story from last year.

Ohio State had the best defense in the country last year, but it’s a far cry from that caliber this time around. The Buckeyes still have some pieces and depth, but they’re not nearly as talented or deep as what Notre Dame was this season.

Ohio State ranks inside the top-10 against the run, but the Buckeyes No. 104 against the pass. Look for Clemson to run the RPO with Trevor Lawrence and let him masterfully pick apart that Ohio State defense.

They can’t guard it all and there’s no doubt the Tigers could score some points Friday evening even with Tony Elliott out.

Who has the advantage? Clemson

Other Aspects to Watch:

• Ohio State is seeking revenge and they’re going to come out fired up and more motivated than any other game this season.
• Clemson is plenty motivated, as well. Don’t think that Dabo Swinney hasn’t reminded his players about last year when Buckeye fans and players said the officiating was the only reason they lost the game.
• The Tigers will be without Nolan Turner in the first half due to a targeting call in the ACC Championship game. That’s a huge loss against this OSU WR group.
• OSU has only played six games. Does that serve as an advantage for them or will the Tigers’ experience and development over the course of a full season prove to be a difference-maker?
• Tony Elliott isn’t in New Orleans. That certainly hurts and only time will tell how big of a loss that truly is.

In the end, we think Clemson football will come away with the win, but it won’t be easy and this is going to be an absolute chess match between the two coaching staffs.