Ohio State vs. Clemson Buckeye Battle Cry: What advantage can the Buckeyes exploit?

What one area does Ohio State have over Clemson that it can exploit to win the 2019 Fiesta Bowl? Members of our staff discuss in our BBC.

Contact/Follow Phil Harrison

Mark, you sort of stole my thunder there. Great minds think alike I guess. By far, to me, the biggest area where Ohio State can make some magic and have a shot at this thing is its ability to lean on the Clemson defensive line. The Tigers lost some really talented guys up front and replaced and reloaded, but it’s a smaller unit similar to what Michigan threw against the Buckeyes.

There may not be some immediate dividends early on in the run game, but I believe if the coaching staff sticks to it and continues to pound J.K. Dobbins, it’ll pay off in the second half. Now, to do that, the defense has to play well and allow the game plan to take shape, but even defensive coordinator Brent Venables knows that area of the Clemson D wasn’t a strength coming into this year.

He has used more varied looks instead of just rushing four and covering up on the back end because of it. That’s why you see Butkus Award winner Isaiah Williams lining up all over the place and used the way he is.

So… go and have a day Dobbins. I think he almost has to be the MVP for Ohio State to move on to New Orleans.

 

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