Ohio State Vs Clemson Fiesta Bowl Odds & Predictions

One final game will determine if Ohio State or Clemson head onward to the college football national championship; obviously the stakes are high and these teams will leave it all on the field to make it through.

The 12-1 Tigers earned their way here by winning the ACC championship over Virginia Tech and defeating Auburn, Louisville and Florida State.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes did not win their division but won over Michigan, Oklahoma and Wisconsin which sealed their ticket to one of the College Football Playoff games.

Read on to get the full details of this game and insights on which team to put your money on!

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Clemson Tigers Fiesta Bowl Odds & Predictions

Playstation Fiesta Bowl - CFP Semifinal
Who: No.3 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) vs No.2 Clemson Tigers (12-1)
When: Saturday, December 31, 2016
Start Time: 7:00 PM ET  
Where: Glendale, AZ
Stadium: University of Phoenix Stadium
Spread: Ohio State -3.5
Moneyline: Ohio State -155 vs Clemson +135
Game Total: 60.5
Watch: ESPN
Stream: Watch ESPN
Listen: Ohio State vs Clemson

If You’re Betting on the Buckeyes…

Pay attention to quarterback J.T. Barrett, he’ll be critical if the Buckeyes are to win this game. The Big Ten Quarterback of the Year has amassed 2,428 yards and 24 touchdowns with only five interceptions along with 847 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground and when he’s in flow it’s practically impossible to beat the Buckeyes.

Along with Barrett, running back Curtis Samuel also give Ohio State it’s offensive punch. Samuel is the Buckeyes workhorse leading the team with 91 carries for 704 yards and eight touchdowns and, by the way, he also leads in catches with 65 amounting to 822 yards and seven touchdowns.

It’ll be critical then for the Buckeyes to do whatever it takes to protect Barrett which will be easier said than done against a formidable Clemson defense that leads in sacks and tackles for a loss. Also, Ohio State needs Samuel to move the chains forward to give its receivers a better shot at opening up the field.

If You’re Betting On the Tigers…

Clemson has an advantage in the passing game in Mike Williams, one of the best receivers in the country. Williams has broken the 100-yard mark in five games this season and has caught the ball 79 times for a total 1,114 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, he does has his work cut out for him facing a one of the toughest pass defenses that is only giving up 164 passing yards per game. The Tigers also have to be mindful of not turning the ball over to which they’re prone. Clemson have averaged around two turnovers per game and Ohio State can capitalize on this.

Defense will be key for the Tigers; if they can stop Ohio State’s run game, holding back Barrett and Samuel it’ll give Clemson’s offense that much more of a chance of scoring points. Against Michigan State and Michigan, Barrett struggled and only passed for 105 yards so the Tigers should follow a similar strategy.

Important Betting Trends To Consider…

• Ohio State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
• Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
• Clemson is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
• Clemson is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games

Game Prediction: This game will come down to which defense plays better. Clemson’s defense will rattle Barrett’s cage and force his game which will favor Clemson on offense because they’ll have more time on the field. I’m betting on Clemson to win the battle.

The Final Score Is: Clemson 36, Ohio State 30.