No. 18 Clemson (9-3, 6-2 ACC ) vs. Oklahoma (8-4, 5-4 Big 12), 5:30 p.m. ET, (ESPN)
Line: Oklahoma by 3 1/2
Series Record: Oklahoma leads 2–1
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Clemson is looking for its fourth consecutive season with double-digit victories. The Tigers were 10-4 in 2011, 11-2 in 2012 and 11-2 in 2013. A win this year would give the Sooners double-digit wins for the 13th time in 15 seasons. The game is a rematch of the 1989 Florida Citrus Bowl, which the Tigers won 13-6
KEY MATCHUP
This game looks to be a matchup of the Tigers’ defense and the Sooners’ offense. Clemson comes in with a defensive unit ranked No. 1 in total defense, giving up only 259.6 yards per game. In addition, Clemson is allowing just 97.7 yards a game on the ground, seventh best in the nation. Oklahoma averages 38.9 points a game, 10th in the nation, and is averaging 480.5 yards in total offense (ranked 19th nationally). Clemson allows just 17.6 points a game, the seventh-best scoring defense nationally.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Clemson: After losing freshman standout QB Deshaun Watson for the season with a torn left ACL, the Tigers will need a solid game from Cole Stoudt. The senior is more than capable, throwing for 1,573 yards and six touchdowns in six appearances in 2014.
Oklahoma: Sophomore RB Samaje Perine is ranked fifth in the nation with 21 rushing touchdowns and eight with 1,579 rushing yards. That includes an FBS-record 427 rushing yards against Kansas.
FACTS & FIGURES
The senior classes for Clemson and Oklahoma have a combined 80 victories over the last four years, 41 by Clemson and 39 by Oklahoma. Clemson’s 41-11 record is tied for the seventh most wins among FBS teams the last four years, and Oklahoma’s 39-12 record is tied for the 12th most wins. … Oklahoma is making its second appearance in the Orlando Citrus Bowl stadium, having fallen to Clemson in coach Barry Switzer’s last game in the 1989 edition of the bowl. . This is the 16th straight bowl appearance for the Sooners, who are 28-18-1 in bowls.
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