Clemson Edges Out Ohio State in Fiest Bowl Semifinal 29-23

Contrary to the blowout Peach Bowl, No. 3 Clemson and No. 2 Ohio State battled for the chance to play for a national title. The Fiesta Bowl semifinal game saw a close finish with Clemson edging Ohio State by a final of 29-23.

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence had an impressive showing against Heisman finalist Chase Young and the Ohio State defense. Lawrence threw for 259 yards for two touchdowns and completed 18 of 33 pass attempts. More impressive, a 67-yard touchdown run, outrunning elite Big Ten defenders in the biggest game of their season thus far.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said of Lawrence, “This guy [Lawrence] can move, man. People don’t really realize that. That’s one of the things that’s changed this game, is he’s gotten as much confidence in his legs now as he does his arm. He picks his spots, but we don’t win the game tonight if we didn’t have his legs.”

Clemson’s Travis Etienne came out the game’s leading receiver, having been the team’s leading rusher all season. He caught three passes for 98 yards, capturing the game-winning score for the Tigers.

Clemson, who has been doubted this entire season for lack of a challenging schedule, showed their stripes and earned respect, edging out the team that sat number one for the majority of the season.

Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons said, “I just think it’s kind of funny. We’re defending champs, 29-0. Nobody really respected us. Apparently, we didn’t play anyone. Now, I don’t think that can be said at all. We finally played someone, as they say.”

Ohio State struggled, especially in the red zone, blowing three opportunities as well as a 16-0 lead.

Quarterback and Heisman finalist Justin Fields was 30-46, throwing for 320 yards and a touchdown. He threw two interceptions having only thrown one all season. The second of which came on a miscommunication with his favorite target Chris Olave who ran the wrong route. Clemson safety Nolan Turner caught the ball, effectively ending the game.

Running back J.K. Dobbins had an impressive game with 18 carries for 174 yards and a touchdown run. Despite the loss, Dobbins showed his toughness and proved why he was such a dominant force for this Ohio State offense.

Clemson will now face LSU in a battle of the Tigers as both teams seek the national title.

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