5 early storylines for Clemson-Ohio State, including the return of Braden Galloway
For the third time this decade, Clemson will face Ohio State in a postseason game. The Tigers and Buckeyes will meet in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 28 in Phoenix, Arizona, with the winner advancing to the national tile game.
Clemson and OSU last played in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl, with Clemson recording a 31-0 victory on its way to its first national title under Dabo Swinney. Here are five early storylines to watch for this matchup:
1. Georgia native QBs take center stage
Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields, both Georgia natives, were the top two quarterbacks in the country for the class of 2018. Lawrence was ranked No. 1 and signed with the Tigers, whiles Fields was ranked No. 2 and signed with Georgia, before transferring to Ohio State after his freshman season. The two are very familiar with each other and trained together last May as they were preparing for their first years of college football. Fields is a Heisman finalist after passing for 40 touchdowns, with one interception so far this year. Lawrence was in the conversation, finishing with 3,172 yards, 34 touchdowns and eight picks. He has 20 touchdowns and no interceptions his last six games.
2. Can Clemson slow down Chase Young?
The Ohio State defensive end leads the country in sacks with 16.5, despite missing a pair of games. Tigers sophomore left tackle Jackson Carman has the task of trying to block Young, although he should get some help with tight ends and backs. Clemson star running back Travis Etienne will need to be at the top of his game if he is asked to help in pass protection against Young. Etienne has had his struggles with pass protection during his career but has been better as a whole in 2019.
3. Braden Galloway makes his return
Clemson’s starting tight end has been out all season after being suspended a calendar year for a failed drug test before last year’s College Football Playoff. Galloway is slated to make his return for the Fiesta Bowl and should provide a boost for a position group that has been solid but lacked a dynamic playmaker in 2019. Galloway flashed during his freshman season in 2018 and has a chance to really help the Tigers in the playoff. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Clemson is still waiting for Galloway to receive final clearance. That should come Dec. 15, according to a Clemson official.
4. Christmas in Arizona
The Tigers will arrive to Phoenix on Dec. 22 and will spend Christmas in Arizona. Clemson will hold practice Christmas Day and will also have a team activity with a local charity on Dec. 25. Ohio State is also set to arrive Dec. 22 and will practice on Christmas Day.
5. Clemson a slight favorite
Clemson is currently a 2-point favorite after opening as a 1-point favorite. The Tigers are set to play in their eighth College Football Playoff game. Clemson was an underdog in six of the previous seven games but is 6-1 straight up in those games. In total, Clemson is 9-1 in its last 10 postseason games against the spread and 8-2 straight up in those games.
