Clemson football: Studs & Duds from the loss to Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) gets hit by Clemson Tigers linebacker James Skalski (47) in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Skalski was called for targeting on the play and kicked out of the game.College Football Playoff Ohio State Faces Clemson In Sugar Bowl /

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Clemson football Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Stud 3: That first scripted drive

It’s hard to find much else on the ‘stud’ list for Clemson in this one, but you’ve got to admit that the first scripted drive of the game was a thing of beauty.

The Tigers moved right down the field and connected perfectly.

It almost makes you wonder what the offensive input would’ve been had Tony Elliott been calling the plays and adjusting throughout the game versus an inexperienced Brandon Streeter.

Dud 3: James Skalski‘s targeting hit

You can argue the letter of the law all day and night. If you’re a Clemson football fan, you likely say it’s not targeting. If you’re an Ohio State fan, you say it is as clear as day.

The truth of the matter is that the targeting rule needs to change. There was no intent behind Skalski’s hit and Fields simply turned into his head.

Without Skalski in the game, the Tiger defense was toast- plain and simple.

Next. Tigers need to be more physical up-front. dark

We’re not here to say that the call changed the outcome (as many OSU fans complained last year), we’re just here to say it was a very unfortunate event in the game for the Tigers.

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