We have all kinds of questions.
We have reached the middle of the week and the baking season is finally getting hot. The one that really matters, of course, goes down tonight when the Buckeyes get their chance at redemption against Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers. No one is giving Ohio State a big chance, and it seems to be contributing to the players’ motivation.
We all know about the unfortunate conclusion of last year’s match. This time we have some of the same familiar faces as well as new role characters. There are numerous storylines that led to the semifinals. Today we look at the most pressing questions that can help determine who is moving on to play for the title.
Is Justin Fields returning to his usual ways?
Justin Fields has been incredible through about 90 percent of his career in Buckeye. In 20 matches, the junior showed some striking figures and chose himself as a high draft. In Ohio’s biggest games in 2020, however, he made some unprecedented mistakes and turned the ball over five times.
The return of Chris Olave is undoubtedly a big deal for the Buckeye Pass, and the Olave / Garrett Wilson pair will be by far the most impressive duo the Tigers have faced so far. Fields has completed just 73 percent of his passes this season. But in the games against the Hoosiers and Wildcats the number is considerably lower; up to 53 percent. A repeat performance will simply not cut it Friday night in New Orleans.
Can the state of Ohio benefit from the absence of Nolan Turner?
Fifth-year senior Nolan Turner is the veteran presence in the secondary and one of the Tigers’ defensive leaders. He played more shots in 2020 than any other defender, leads the team in interception and is second in offense. Needless to say, his absence in the first half is something Ryan Day wants to take advantage of.
The Buckeyes started hot a season ago against Clemson, but unfortunately the success of the attack did not carry over once they reached the red area. If I were in Day’s shoes, I would do everything in my power to direct the middle of the field to exploit a defense that one of its leaders is missing. Turner’s return for the third quarter will definitely give a big boost to what Brent Venables has planned in New Orleans. Just like last time, field goals will not diminish it.
Which Trey sermon is shown?
Trey Sermon raced to the Big Ten title race for 344 yards and once, while averaging five games a little over six yards per carry. His record performance against Northwest increased his stats to 675 yards, three counts and eight per attempt. No one expects a repeat performance, but another good performance will take a lot of the pressure off Justin Fields.
I think we have a good idea of exactly who Master Teague is as a running rugby player. However, the jury still does not appear to be on Sermon, as most of his season was just ‘okay’ before the explosion in Indy. The offensive line certainly created holes against the Wildcats, but Sermon broke the dives and rounded off runs in a way we had not seen before. We will see which version appears on Friday night against the ninth ranking of the country.
Trevor Lawrence caused all sorts of damage to his legs a season ago. Via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Can the defense limit Trevor Lawrence’s hasty ability?
When the two teams last met, Trevor Lawrence raced for 107 yards and his 67-yard touchdown gave the Tigers a serious momentum on their way to the half. Now he comes up with a 90-meter performance against the Fighting Irish in the ACC title game. Outside of the Nebraska game, the Buckeyes did not handle too much mobility below center. The future Jacksonville Jaguar obviously offers a very different challenge.
Ohio State’s rushing defense was tough (Nationwide No. 7), but Clemson’s attack may not be difficult for any team to defend. Travis Etienne caused most of his damage in the passing game last year, but the speedster must also be taken into account in the RPO game. Tommy Togiai and Haskell Garrett will have to continue their excellent play and the defense as a whole will have to stick to their gaps and assignments to prevent – or at least limit – some of the big plays we saw in the Fiesta Bowl.
How will Kerry Coombs handle Amari Rodgers?
Last year’s Tigers had two excellent outside receivers in Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins. This time, locksmith Amari Rodgers is the biggest threat to the pass. The biggest advantage of the game will likely be Clemson’s offense against the Buckeye secondary, and I’m interested to see what plan Kerry Coombs draws up for this plan.
I’ve seen some people suggest that Shaun Wade move back to the slot to work with Rodgers. If Cam Brown were available, that might be an option. But as it looks now with an exhausted unit, I’m just not sure how feasible it would be at this point of the season.
Assuming Wade stays on the outside, we can look at Josh Proctor and Marcus Williamson performing against Clemson’s best widescreen. This can, of course, cause problems for the secondary problems. Can we see a little more zone of the Buckeye defense? This is another possibility, and it may be the right step in light of the circumstances.
Ohio State ranks No. 104 nationwide against the pass, and Coombs will draw a lot of attention to his biggest challenge since taking over as defense coordinator.
Clemson remains a 7.5-point favorite for the rematch in The Big Easy. Dabo is up for his usual weird antics, and I do not think I have heard anyone in the national media pick the Buckeyes to win. It feels a lot like things at the end of 2014 before the game with the Crimson Tide.
The Buckeyes and Tigers will kick things off just after 20:00 on New Year’s Day. What are your biggest questions in the semi-final of this season?