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Ohio State Football: 5 predictions for Fiesta Bowl

By Frank Teriaca

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes and his players prepare to take the field before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 18, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes and his players prepare to take the field before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 18, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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JK Dobbins rushing totals this season has been incredible. With 1,829 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns on the season, Dobbins is solidifying himself as the best running back in college football.

In his last three games against Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin Dobbins has rushed for 540 yards and seven scores. The Buckeyes are going to need him to do it again in this one in order to beat Clemson.

Ball control  will be pivotal. Both offenses are going to want to hold on to the ball to keep it away from the opposing team. And that is where Dobbins role in this game is so pivotal. It’s not so much about how many yards he gets as it is to getting first downs and keeping drives alive.

But there is also no reason to believe that he can’t duplicate the performances of his last three outings, especially having some time to rest since they last played in the Big Ten Championship.

Clemson’s defense is allowing 106.15 rushing yards per game, mostly to inferior opponents so there should be running room in this game for Dobbins to exploit. Clemson did give up 111 yards rushing to Virginia in the ACC Championship game.

That says something because Virginia was down big in that one and was forced to pass a lot to try to get back in it.

If Ryan Day and Ohio State can be patient and take the rushing yards as they come then hopefully in the second half Clemson’s defensive line will be worn down enough to where the Buckeyes could start putting up some big plays against them.

It may start slow for Dobbins, but I expect to see a big second half from the All-American tailback. Look for 175 yards rushing on 28 carries and two scores. Hopefully the rushing game can help open up some holes in Clemson’s secondary for Justin Field’s to take advantage of.

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