Ohio State's Pass Protection vs.But not all of those players have completed their careers in Athens. If Clemson's defense continues to put the Buckeyes behind schedule on first and second downs, the defensive line can get after Barrett and change the game with its pressure. He's not solely to blame for that because there have been protection issues on the offensive line and growing pains for a young cast of wide receivers. Barrett has thrown for 152 yards or less five times already this year, including the past two games of the regular season against Michigan State and Michigan. Just as importantly for Clemson, slowing Ohio State's rushing attack would force the Buckeyes to turn to the air with a passing attack that struggled at key moments this season, as Austin Ward of explained:Īs much as Meyer has emphasized a balanced attack and tried to develop the passing game this season, the Buckeyes have still struggled through some lulls in the passing game that must be addressed heading into the College Football Playoff. Weber racked up 1,072 rushing yards this season, while Barrett had 847 and Samuel tallied 704 (to go with 822 receiving yards).Ĭlemson is a solid 22nd in the country in rushing yards allowed per game and must find a way to slow that three-headed attack so it can keep Watson on the field and avoid falling behind early to the Buckeyes' powerful tempo. Josh Liskiewitz of Pro Football Focus said Conley was second in the nation in opposing quarterback rating this season, while Lattimore was fourth. Safety Malik Hooker had six interceptions and ran three of them back for scores, while cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley can shut down receivers on the outside. Few defenses are as opportunistic as Ohio State's (sixth in the nation in interceptions), and there are three NFL prospects who will be waiting to pounce on any Clemson mistake. While Watson threw for 3,914 yards and 37 touchdowns, he also tossed 15 interceptions. Mike Williams (1,171 receiving yards), Jordan Leggett (637 receiving yards), Deon Cain (621 receiving yards) and Artavis Scott (592 receiving yards) will all pose threats to the Buckeyes on any given play.ĭon't just assume the Tigers will rack up a ton of points with so many weapons. The Tigers boast a top-10 passing offense in the country thanks to Watson and a number of talented targets. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and entered true superstardom in last season's national championship game when he torched Alabama's vaunted defense for 405 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air. Watson is the face of the program and Clemson's best chance to win the national title.
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