Clemson vs. Oklahoma: Five Orange Bowl storylines

1. Will either team have a mental edge?

Oklahoma players said they have reviewed tape of last year’s game several times over the past few weeks and listened to commentators berate their play. They have vowed to be more focused and more determined after being embarrassed by Clemson 40-6 last year. Still, it’s hard to imagine the Tigers won’t be ready to play as well with a spot in the national title game on the line. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said sending three players home from the bowl two days before the game does not cause any type of distraction. It remains to be seen whether or not he is right.

2. Running games are being overlooked

Most of the talk in Miami this week has been about Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson and Oklahoma signal caller Baker Mayfield. The two finished third and fourth in Heisman voting but were also helped out by strong running games. The Sooners duo of Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon have accounted for more than 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns. Clemson relies on Wayne Gallman and Watson to get the job done on the ground. Watson has 887 rushing yards, while Gallman sits at 1,332, needing 14 yards to break the Clemson single season record.

3. Can Clemson slow down the Sooners?

Oklahoma lost to Texas 24-17 on October 10. In its seven games since then, the Sooners lead the nation in points per game (52) and total offense per game (593) yards. Oklahoma has rushed for 311 yards per game and averaged 6.4 yards per carry during that time.

4. Will the crowd be a factor?

Clemson has had a significant crowd advantage in its three biggest games of the season leading up to this point. The Tigers faced Notre Dame and Florida state at home and played North Carolina in Charlotte in a stadium that was at least 80 percent orange. The Tigers have used the emotion from the crowd to their advantage in big games this year and should have a decisive edge in the Orange Bowl. Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday his team has played better on the road this year than at home.

5. Can Oklahoma block Clemson up front?

The Sooners offense is one of the most explosive in college football but is young on the offensive line. Oklahoma starts freshmen at both tackle spots, and they will have their hands full going up against two of the best defensive ends in college football in Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd. If OU has one weakness offensively, it’s up front. The Sooners have allowed 80 tackles for loss and 36 sacks on the year.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 5:03 PM with the headline "Clemson vs. Oklahoma: Five Orange Bowl storylines."