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For me, the advantage for Ohio State starts in the trenches. Most will go right to Chase Young and company on the defensive side of things, but I’m talking about the Buckeye offensive line.
The defensive line gets all the headlines, as they should, with as much disruption as they cause in the backfield. However, it’s the guys on the other side that I believe will give Ohio State an advantage over Clemson on Saturday.
Led by All-American Wyatt Davis and a slew of All-Conference selections, these guys have just quietly gone about doing their job and doing it well. They have opened gaping holes for JK Dobbins (over 1,800 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns), as well as giving Justin Fields ample time in the pocket.
“If they’re going to bring something they’re going to bring physicality. If they’re going to pride themselves on something as a football program for the last 100-plus years, it’s about being physical.” – Clemson’s DC Brent Venables on OSU’s run game https://t.co/NeGwBA7Z4o
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) December 26, 2019
Need further proof? Backup running back, Master Teague, was voted a third team All-Conference selection by both coaches and media and finished sixth in rushing yards in the Big Ten. And Teague would be the first to tell you he didn’t get those accolades without some help from the guys up front.
Clemson has a great defense. But if the Tigers have a weakness, it’s defending the run. For the Buckeyes to have a chance in Tempe, the O-line will need to continue their dominance opening lanes for Dobbins and keeping Fields off his back.
Next … Phil’s thoughts