New Orleans, LA – Ohio State Buckeyes now will be playing in the College Football Championship after defeating Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl 49-28 in New Year’s night cap. Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields set a new Sugar Bowl & CFP record throwing 6 touchdowns for 385 yards to lead his team.
The College Football Playoff game is no stranger to these two teams, they matched up just last year in the Fiesta Bowl for CFP semifinal. Clemson was able to sneak past Ohio State in the end to earn the right to play in the Championship game.
The victory over Clemson had to feel so sweet after beating them last year in the stats but not on the scoreboard. Now when the lights were even brighter Ohio State let NCAA know this team is real.
“I think that loss fueled us all off-season and this season,” said Fields “We were just glad to have this opportunity.”
On Clemson opening drive Heisman Trophy candidate Trevor Lawrence #16 caps off an 82-yard opening drive touchdown on 8 plays. Lawrence used his legs diving for the pylon and quick 7-0 lead over Ohio State 12:10 in 1Q.
After the first quarter Clemson spotted Ohio State to much of a lead. Lawrence who will be the next NFL No. 1 pick in the draft if he leaves the college ranks. He only passed for 2 touchdowns 400 yards, an interception and a fumble.
Fields early was finding his tight ends getting lost in secondary. Ohio State took their first lead with 17-yard touchdown pass to Jeremey Ruckkert 21-14 4:16 2Q.
Ohio State Trey Sermon #8 busted done the seam for a 32-yard touchdown run, catching Clemson ‘s defense flatfooted and out of position. Midway through the first quarter tying the game 7-7 with 7:59 1Q.
Fields took a big hit scrambling down the field by linebacker James Skalski #47 stopping him short of a first down. They stopped the play and took look at the play for targeting, and it was confirmed. Now the secondary for Clemson was already missing their quarterback with Skalski being ejected took the vocal leader who calls the defense for the front seven.
Just two plays after the ejection Fields threw a dart for the endzone and two touchdown lead before going into the half with 28-14 5:12 2Q.
“I’m just blessed,” said Fields “That hit really took a toll on me…. What pulled me through was my love for my brothers!”
In the second quarter Ohio State just had all the answers with their offense dominating on the ground grinding up yards with Sermon legs. They swag spilled over to their defense that seemed a step faster then Clemson keeping them scoreless in the quarter.
Ohio State felt good going into the half with a 35-14 after being told they shouldn’t be playing in the College Football Playoff.
Fields bounced back after throwing an interception in the endzone to start the second half with a deep 56-yard touchdown bomb to Chris Olave #2 42-21 4:55 3Q.
The ground game was a great balance for Ohio State, they finished with 254 yards as a team. Sermon carried the load with 193 yards on 31 carries.
We know that Ohio State and the Big Ten Conference are as good as their rankings.
“To win and have a chance to play against Clemson and win the way we did it’s unbelievable ,“ said coach Ryan Day “We are a great program and we have a lot of pride – Ohio State Buckeyes means something.”
Now Ohio State will get ready to gameplan for No. 1 Alabama Tide for the crown on January 11, 2021 in Miami.
