Ohio State vs. Clemson Betting Preview 12/31/16 – Fiesta Bowl

Betting Preview

Ohio State only lost one game this season but it cost them a chance at the big 10 title game. They lost to the eventual winner Penn State 24-21 which now makes them the first NCAA football team to be selected for the College Football Playoff who hasn’t won their conference championship. They finished the year winning their last five games but scored 30 points or less in three of them.

The Buckeyes faced four ranked teams this season and in three of those games were held to 30 points or less including the loss to Penn State. They have an offense that averages over 200 yards rushing and passing while scoring 42.7 points a game. Their defense is ranked in the top six in the country in passing, total defense and scoring defense (14.2 points allowed) as no opponent scored above 27 points all year.

Clemson also lost one game this year and have the chance to make up last year’s loss in the Championship game to Alabama where they were beaten 45-40. Their ninth ranked offense is led by quarterback Deshaun Watson who has thrown 37 touchdowns and passed for over 3900 yards.

The Tigers average over 500 yards and 40.2 points a game while finishing out the regular season with three straight wins where they outscored those opponents 133-55. They too have a good defense and are ranked 19th in total defense while giving up just 18.4 points a game.

The oddsmakers have made Ohio State a three point favorite and set the total at 59. According to Covers.com Consensus Analysis 61% of the public can’t resist the Tigers as a dog and are backing Clemson while 59% believe the offenses will be able to score and favor the over.

The total went over in five of the last six games Clemson has played.

Previous Meetings

01/03/14: Tigers 40 @ Buckeyes 35

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