SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Inside and in front. A four-word Ohio State plan not to stop Clemson, but maybe to beat Clemson. The passing game No. 3 Clemson brings to Saturday’s Fiesta Bowl, with a 6-foot-6 future NFL quarterback and two 6-foot-4 all-conference receivers, is unlike anything the Buckeyes have seen in at least two years, since losing to Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma in 2017. Or maybe even since losing to DeShaun Watson and Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl in the final game of 2016. The Big Ten doesn’t throw it and catch it quite like this. But the Buckeyes — with three cover corners they trust completely against all-conference receivers Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross, a veteran as their single-high safety, a scheme that can keep quarterback Trevor Lawrence guessing, and a pass rusher who can keep Lawrence from getting comfortable — is built to slow down Clemson. Not stop…
Continue Reading: Ohio State football’s defense, inside and in front, is built to slow down Clemson
