Fiesta Bowl Prediction
Will third-ranked Clemson continue its playoff dominance tonight when the Tigers face second-ranked Ohio State in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl, as part of the College Football Playoff, at 8PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Playstation Fiesta Bowl – College Football Playoff Semifinal
243 Clemson vs. 244 Ohio State
Saturday, December 28, 2019
8PM ET – State Farm Stadium
TV: ESPN
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NCAAF Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Clemson is the slight favorite in this game, as the Tigers are getting odds of -2 points against Ohio State. The over/under total for the game is listed at 62.5 points. The public betting currently has 63 percent going on Clemson as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Ohio State looks to end Clemson’s run
Ohio State was the top-seeded team heading into championship week, but the Buckeyes had a scare against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship, which dropped it to the second seed. Ohio State won the game 34-21. The Buckeyes are 13-0 on the season, 9-4 against the spread and 6-6-1 with the over/under total.
Ohio State is among the best nationally on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes are averaging 48.7 points and 531 yards per game on offense, while allowing 12.5 points and 247.6 yards per contest. Chase Young leads the defense with 44 tackles and 16.5 sacks. He was a Heisman finalist alongside his QB, Justin Fields. Fields threw for 2,953 yards and 40 touchdowns with just one INT. He also rushed for 471 yards and 10 scores. J.K. Dobbins has rushed for 1,829 yards and 20 touchdowns, while Chris Olave is the leading receiver with 46 catches for 799 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Clemson feeling disrespected
Coming off the playoff championship last season, the Tigers have been somewhat overlooked this year despite having an unbeaten season. Clemson has won its last eight games by at least 31 points. The Tigers are 13-0 on the season, 10-3 against the spread and 7-6 with the under.
Like Ohio State, the Tigers have been dominant on both sides of the ball as well. Clemson is averaging 46.5 points and 547.7 yards per game on offense while allowing just 10.6 points and 244.7 yards per game on defense. Trevor Lawrence didn’t have the season many were expecting, but still threw for 3,172 yards and 34 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He also has rushed for 407 yards and seven touchdowns. Travis Etienne is leading the ground attack with 1,500 yards and 17 scores. Tee Higgins is the top receiver with 52 catches for 1,082 yards and 13 touchdowns. Isaiah Simmons is leading the defense with 93 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions.
College Football Betting Trends
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are 10-2 against the spread in their last 12 games against a winning team and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games at a neutral field.
Clemson
The Tigers are 9-1 against the spread in their last 10 bowl games and 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games in December.
Prediction:
I can’t wait for this game. I think it should be a real display of playmaking on both sides of the ball for each team. In the end, I have to go with the defending champs. Despite playing in the ACC, Clemson has ran over most opponents and still has a defense that is capable of playing with anyone. I think we saw some cracks in the Ohio State armor toward the end of the season and Justin Fields still probably isn’t 100 percent. I think the Buckeyes are going to be surprised by the Clemson defense. The focus may be on Ohio State’s defense and Chase Young, but Clemson may have the best defense in the country. The Tigers feel overlooked all season and now this is their chance to still show they are the best, and I expect them to do just that.
Fiesta Bowl Prediction: Clemson -2
Related: Fiesta Bowl Total Prediction