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Ohio State Football: Predictions for Buckeyes vs. Tigers

By Charlie Lockhart

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his second half touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State won the game 56-27. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his second half touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State won the game 56-27. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 23: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 23: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

At long last Ohio State is back in the College Football Playoff. However, the Buckeyes are somehow being disrespected and counted out by the public.  That’s just how Ryan Day and company want it.

The Buckeyes just completed the most grueling three game stretch of the season for any team finishing a historic regular season 13-0. Justin Fields got banged up during bruise contests, but he will he ready to go come game time wearing the small brace with the larger one available if needed.

If Fields is able to be fully mobile he will be the more effective quarterback. I expected Ohio State to look to establish the running game early and often while staying aggressive in the passing game. The Buckeyes aren’t scared of the Tigers’ secondary and have the receivers to stretch the field vertically.

The keys to this showdown lie with the Ohio State defense. Containing Trevor Lawrence and manning Travis Etienne in space will be crucial. Pete Werner and Tuf Borland will need time play their best football in order to do so and I’m confident Harley and Washington will have a great scheme.

Winning the 50/50 balls with the lengthy receivers of Clemson will be a major factor for Okudah and the secondary. If the Tigers aren’t able to convert on a few of those it could shakeup their whole offensive attack.

Chase Young will need his presence to be felt from the opening whistle. Pressuring Lawrence and maybe even forcing an early mistake or turnover would be enormous for Ohio State.

This game is the best possible matchup of the college football season in terms of being evenly matched and it will live up to the hype. Despite sweating just thinking about the game I have an odd calmness. I like the Buckeyes emerging victorious in a classic.

Ohio State 34 Clemson 27

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