DraftKings Network - Injury news, odds, picks, recap for Clemson-Ohio StateAnother great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2019-12-29T05:13:58-08:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/208032602019-12-29T05:13:58-08:002019-12-29T05:13:58-08:00Ohio State missed so many opportunities in a Fiesta Bowl loss to Clemson
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<img alt="Clemson Tigers running back Travis Etienne scores a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tXakclp4EcwZbwnQet7dYktxZkM=/0x124:4668x3236/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65982729/usa_today_13847393.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With an appearance in the national title game on the line, the Buckeyes fell short with mistakes and missed opportunities.</p> <p id="puQyrz">Well we got a chance to enjoy one of the two College Football Playoff semifinals as the national title matchup is officially set. In a thrilling game with lots of twists and turns, the <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> will look to defend its title in a few weeks against the <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/">LSU Tigers</a>. Clemson edged out the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a> 29-23 on a late touchdown and end zone interception of quarterback <span>Justin Fields</span>.</p>
<p id="xapuOh">If you bet on the in this one if you’re an Ohio State fan, this is a tough one to swallow. Maybe take a break from sports for a bit. Going for a walk always helps me get through these situations.</p>
<p id="fESZGy">But there were so many opportunities for the Buckeyes to win this game and move on to the national title. <span>J.K. Dobbins</span> was barely tripped up after a 64-yard run, his diving 5-yard touchdown reception was overturned by review and he dropped a screen pass that looked like would have gone for a score. Ohio State settled for three first-half field goals.</p>
<p id="8fW92d"><span>Trevor Lawrence</span> took a big shot on a third-down sack, which led to a targeting penalty for Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade. In the third quarter, a roughing the punter penalty kept a drive alive. Both of these penalties led to touchdowns.</p>
<p id="kkxitF">Not to mention, Ohio State recovered a fumble for a touchdown in the third quarter, which was overturned to an incomplete pass. That’s a call that may be talked about for a while. The Buckeyes took a lead in the fourth quarter but allowed a 94-yard touchdown drive (after Clemson muffed a punt but recovered) in four plays late in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p id="CsshZg">Ohio State drove right back into the red zone for the potential game-winning drive, but Fields’ interception in the end zone put an end to the last-minute possession.</p>
<p id="vFTXGO">So many chances for Ohio State to bring a little joy to the Buckeyes +2 backers. For Clemson bettors, like me, it was a fantastic turn of events on Saturday night. The second half line Clemson -3.5 hit as well as we recommended doing at halftime.</p>
<p id="XcVsPS">The over/under in this game was 63.5, and that never really felt in jeopardy of going over.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/12/29/21040975/clemson-vs-ohio-state-final-score-college-football-playoffs-trevor-lawrence-stats-jk-dobbinsErik Buchinger2019-12-28T20:26:07-08:002019-12-28T20:26:07-08:00Controversial call negates a defensive touchdown for Ohio State [VIDEO]
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<img alt="Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day reacts against the Clemson Tigers during the first half in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fm7NfI8GexX0qKKKTGNNRTRNGs8=/0x119:2748x1951/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65982095/usa_today_13846891.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jordan Fuller’s fumble recovery for a score was overturned, costing the Buckeyes the lead.</p> <p id="GNoIry">If the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a> does not win this game (or cover), this is a play that will be discussed for a while. Ohio State appeared to recover a fumble for a touchdown in the third quarter for an absolute game changer to regain the lead.</p>
<p id="bCc2O4">On a third down play, <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> wide receiver <span>Justyn Ross</span> appeared to make the grab, took three or four steps and had the ball ripped out of his hands by Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah. Jordan Fuller recovered and ran it about 30 yards into the end zone.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This was originally called a catch and fumble return TD, but was overturned as an incomplete pass. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> <a href="https://t.co/3RxiGYTvCv">pic.twitter.com/3RxiGYTvCv</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1211136453247414272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="OS3MX6">It was ruled a catch and fumble on the field but after review, the play was ruled as an incomplete pass. After watching the replay, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler agreed it should be a catch and fumble. ESPN’s rules expert came on the microphone and disagreed, saying a football move wasn’t made.</p>
<p id="YAfkXb">Somewhere Dez Bryant is watching, just shaking his head.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/12/28/21040993/ohio-state-vs-clemson-controversial-call-defensive-touchdown-fumble-catch-videoErik Buchinger2019-12-28T19:45:10-08:002019-12-28T19:45:10-08:00Ohio State star running back JK Dobbins leaves the game with injury, returns
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<img alt="Ohio State Buckeyes running back J.K. Dobbins is checked on after an apparent injury against the Clemson Tigers during the first half in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RE9WcJ3s8vuYuPDANgMVcdnvVcM=/0x31:3120x2111/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65982007/usa_today_13846832.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>An ankle injury sent JK Dobbins straight to the locker room on the first play of Ohio State’s first second half possession.</p> <p id="JFi69D">UPDATE: J.K. Dobbins returned from the locker room and was back in the game for Ohio State’s second possession of the second half.</p>
<p id="vzwoBn">It had a chance to be a truly incredible performance for <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a> running back <span>J.K. Dobbins</span> especially early in the game. He broke off for a 68-yard touchdown run and rushed for another 64 yards on another play.</p>
<p id="etmU5w">Since then, it’s been all bad news for <span>Dobbins</span>.</p>
<p id="s0rXmf">A few plays after his 64-yard scamper, Dobbins appeared to make a diving grab for a 5-yard touchdown, but it was overturned to an incomplete pass. He then dropped a screen pass that likely would have gone for a touchdown. Instead, the Buckeyes settled for field goals on both drives.</p>
<p id="D80Cih">The next mishap might be the most devastating for him and Ohio State’s national title chances when Dobbins injured his ankle late in the first half. He returned to the game for the first play of Ohio State’s first possession of the second half and went down. He was not even part of the play and clearly was in pain, immediately walking to the locker room.</p>
<p id="JZGADE">Dobbins had 142 yards on nine carries with a rushing touchdown prior to the injury.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/12/28/21040967/jk-dobbins-injury-ohio-state-vs-clemson-college-football-playoffs-semifinals-fiesta-bowlErik Buchinger2019-12-28T19:08:53-08:002019-12-28T19:08:53-08:00Oddsmakers expect a tight one in the second half between Ohio State and Clemson
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<img alt="Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q-yCnBSaQG5JWZo0cP1xKcpYBAc=/304x0:5202x3265/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65981969/usa_today_13846204.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ohio State jumped out early, but Clemson has stormed back to turn the Fiesta Bowl into an exciting matchup. We break down the second half line.</p> <p id="TceP2I"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins returned to the game for the first drive of the second half.</p>
<p id="s6V8EH">Unlike the first of the College Football Playoff semifinal game, it looks like we’ll be set up for an exciting finish in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fiesta-bowl">Fiesta Bowl</a> between the <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> and <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a>. Ohio State leads 16-14, but oddsmakers think we could see Clemson complete a comeback. Clemson is a 3.5-point favorite for the second half at <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/2?category=halves&subcategory=2nd-half">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>, and the point total is 29.5.</p>
<p id="beCATn">Ohio State held a 16-0 lead as Clemson held the Buckeyes to three field goals to keep within striking distance. The Tigers quickly scored 14 unanswered points late in the second quarter to completely shift the momentum of this game. Clemson is favored by three </p>
<p id="giFCcB">Some very notable injuries and an ejection could play a factor in the second half. For Clemson, its star wide receiver <span>Tee Higgins</span> left the game in the first quarter with a head injury and will not return.</p>
<p id="OXn7lO">Tigers Quarterback Trevor Lawrence took a big hit on a sack, which kept him on the ground as trainers checked on him. On that play, Ohio State’s cornerback <span>Shaun Wade</span> was ejected for targeting. Lawrence came back in shortly after and definitely looks fine after a 67-yard touchdown run late in the second half in a huge momentum changer.</p>
<p id="fflOPu">After a pair of big runs to lead the Buckeyes in the first half, <span>J.K. Dobbins</span> took injured his lower leg and limped off the field late in the second quarter. We will see how healthy he is running the ball in the second half.</p>
<h2 id="l6wSPW">Second half pick</h2>
<p id="e81CJR">Well, I took Clemson -2 before this game and nothing happened in the first half that makes me shy away from that prediction, so the pick is going to be Clemson -3.5 in the second half. All of the momentum is on the Tigers, and they get the ball to start. A long opening drive ending with a touchdown could be another body blow for Ohio State, which is going to be kicking itself for not being able to get into the end zone with three first-half field goals.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/12/28/21040937/ohio-state-vs-clemson-odds-second-half-point-spread-college-football-playoffs-semifinalsErik Buchinger2019-12-28T18:44:58-08:002019-12-28T18:44:58-08:00Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence takes huge hit, returns 2 plays later
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<img alt="Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Malik Harrison during the first quarter in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iHp1bBXK5HSROOCLB24cGEyYBKA=/0x36:3552x2404/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65981893/usa_today_13846235.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade was ejected for targeting for a big hit on Trevor Lawrence, who was slow to get up.</p> <p id="pyuvTd"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins returned to the game for the first drive of the second half.</p>
<p id="R0Nb5V">The <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> were already dealing with the loss of wide receiver <span>Tee Higgins</span>, who ruled out of the rest of the game with a head injury in the first quarter. To make matters worse, <span>Trevor Lawrence</span> took a huge hit and bent awkwardly.</p>
<p id="9ro0iY">Trainers came out to check on him for a few minutes before he jogged off the field. Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade was ejected for targeting on the play. Lawrence returned to the game a few plays later and Clemson scored their first touchdown. They trail 16-7.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/12/28/21040927/trevor-lawrence-injury-concussion-clemson-vs-ohio-state-chase-brice-backup-quarterback-cfp-semifinalErik Buchinger2019-12-28T18:34:45-08:002019-12-28T18:34:45-08:00Clemson star wide receiver Tee Higgins leaves Fiesta Bowl with head injury
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<img alt="NCAA Football: College Football Playoff Semifinal-Ohio State vs Clemson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3tfZ_LUX8fFvMihgKNoggpjh9po=/0x103:3462x2411/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65981869/usa_today_13846205.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Higgins left the game in a strange play in which his helmet was knocked off by an Ohio State defender, crashing to the ground.</p> <p id="AlObPh"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins returned to the game for the first drive of the second half.</p>
<p id="7PAIDM">A major injury occurred early in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fiesta-bowl">Fiesta Bowl</a>, and it could be devastating for the <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> as they look to make a comeback against the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a>. Clemson’s star wide receiver <span>Tee Higgins</span> is ruled out for the rest of the game with a head injury.</p>
<p id="uMuHov">During the first quarter, Higgins went high in the air for the ball with Ohio State defensive backs Jeff Odukah and Jordan Fuller. Fuller’s arm knocked off Higgins’ helmet, and Higgins went crashing to the ground. It’s not exactly clear whether the injury came when Higgins was hit by Fuller or if landing on the ground caused the injury.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clemson's Tee Higgins has left the game with an apparent injury after this 1st quarter collision. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> <a href="https://t.co/5yX3hAD4L4">pic.twitter.com/5yX3hAD4L4</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1211102898546831360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="SREzsw">Regardless, Higgins’ day is over, and that’s a shame for the Tigers’ offense.</p>
<p id="siAM4U">Clemson has plenty of stars on its roster, but Higgins is the leading receiver in terms of yards with 1,082 yards and touchdown receptions with 13 this season. He averages a whopping 20.8 yards per reception.</p>
<p id="ZMPLaU">Higgins is a go-to play maker for <span>Trevor Lawrence</span> in each of the past two seasons.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/12/28/21040901/tee-higgins-injury-head-clemson-vs-ohio-state-college-football-playoffs-semifinal-fiesta-bowlErik Buchinger2019-12-28T18:18:00-08:002019-12-28T18:18:00-08:00Ohio State running back JK Dobbins explodes in the first quarter
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<img alt="NCAA Football: College Football Playoff Semifinal-Ohio State vs Clemson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iYj7Pt-PBvuhqQhvbEw8O0F1EK8=/0x119:3378x2371/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65981797/usa_today_13846237.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A pair of big gainers for JK Dobbins give the Buckeyes a lead in the first half. </p> <p id="eLucAc"><strong>UPDATE:</strong> JK Dobbins struggled with an ankle injury suffered late in the second quarter. He finished with 174 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown. He caught six passes for 47 yards.</p>
<p id="5Zsujf">Two <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a> were in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, and a third had a case with JK Dobbins, and he showed the <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> his elusive speed in the first quarter of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fiesta-bowl">Fiesta Bowl</a>.</p>
<p id="IokhtO">Already leading 3-0, Ohio State watched a Clemson 46-yard field goal sail outside the uprights. On the very next play, Dobbins took the handoff, changed direction making Clemson Tigers safety <span>K’Von Wallace</span> stumble himself out of the play. Sixty-eight yards later, Dobbins reached the end zone in front of several trailing Tigers.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">J.K. Dobbins 68 yards to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> <a href="https://t.co/YBrIbSCzRA">pic.twitter.com/YBrIbSCzRA</a></p>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1211100715558457344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="JPrFxI">Dobbins busted another big gainer for a 64-yard run on the final play of the first quarter down to the Clemson 8-yard line, barely being taken off his feet by Tanner Muse. Two plays later, Dobbins appeared to come up with a diving 5-yard touchdown reception initially, but the call was reversed to an incomplete pass, leading to a field goal.</p>
<p id="N3SFpz">The Buckeyes are leading 13-0 early in the second quarter thanks to the breakaway speed of Dobbins, who came into this game ranked third in rushing yards (1,829) and sixth in rushing touchdowns (20).</p>
<p id="1LoXRZ">The health of <span>Justin Fields</span>’ knee was a big discussion coming into this game, and an effective running game with Dobbins makes a big difference.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/12/28/21040878/jk-dobbins-stats-ohio-state-vs-clemson-college-football-playoffs-semifinalsErik Buchinger2019-12-28T05:41:08-08:002019-12-28T05:41:08-08:00Key players to watch in Ohio State vs. Clemson
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<img alt="Ohio State Buckeyes running back J.K. Dobbins (2) carries the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the 2019 Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rYHisgVSetE1mGSWSvfVCGlF3z4=/0x0:5270x3513/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65979802/usa_today_13765724.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Stars are everywhere in the Fiesta Bowl, and NFL Draft scouts will be keeping their eyes on a number of Ohio State and Clemson players.</p> <p id="6JfnDi">There will not be a lack of star power going into the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fiesta-bowl">Fiesta Bowl</a> between Ohio State and Clemson in the nightcap of the College Football Playoff semifinals. Here are some of the key players to watch in this matchup.</p>
<h2 id="ubkOVa"><a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a></h2>
<h3 id="Q0nklT">Offense</h3>
<p id="QYX0KH">When Ohio State has the ball, all eyes will be on the knee of <span>Justin Fields</span>, especially early in the game. How healthy is that knee? He already admitted it is not 100% and not where he expected to be at this point of the season. Maybe he’s saying things to fool the Clemson defense, but it’s certainly a concern for Ohio State because Fields was not himself against Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game.</p>
<p id="3MbwOd">JK Dobbins has had a monster season, and he’ll be another Buckeye star to watch on Saturday night. Dobbins ranks third in the nation with 1,829 rushing yards, and his 20 rushing touchdowns is sixth. He will undoubtedly play a huge role in this matchup and could be primed for an even more important factor for Ohio State depending on the health of Fields.</p>
<aside id="HxFnfT"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Key players to watch in LSU vs. Oklahoma","url":"https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/12/28/21037316/lsu-vs-oklahoma-players-to-watch-cfb-national-semifinals-2020-joe-burrow-kenneth-murray-jamarr-chase"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="ic7JFI">Defense</h3>
<p id="Th6ddl">The most popular defensive player in college football and potentially the best overall player in the country goes to <span>Chase Young</span>. He has made an absolute mess out of defensive coordinators and terrified quarterbacks all season long, aside from a two-game suspension. Young is penciled in to be among the top <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> picks and could even go No. 1 this spring.</p>
<h2 id="twhzhi"><a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a></h2>
<h3 id="jCp7NM">Offense</h3>
<p id="oSg11H">It has to start with the most recognizable man in college football with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He struggled with turnovers early in the season, but the Clemson offense picked it up and never looked back just absolutely putting a beat down opposing defenses with Lawrence leading the charge. He is completing nearly 70% of his passes and threw for 34 touchdowns with eight interceptions.</p>
<p id="fFBw8E">Clemson running back <span>Travis Etienne</span> is the next most impressive player on this Clemson offense. He would be getting so much more attention if not for being on the same offense as Trevor Lawrence. He rushed for an even 1,500 yards and scored 17 rushing touchdowns this season. He can break off a big gainer any time, and he’s going to be a handful for Ohio State.</p>
<h3 id="zZ7rHk">Defense</h3>
<p id="u9iRuR">Clemson will try to match Ohio State’s <span>Chase Young</span> by utilizing linebacker <span>Isaiah Simmons</span>. A physical freak at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Simmons will look to get after Fields and cause mayhem in the Ohio State backfield. He has played a significant role on the Tiger defense for three consecutive years and with his likely exit to the NFL Draft, he’ll be looking for another national title.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/12/28/21037318/ohio-state-vs-clemson-players-to-watch-cfb-national-semifinals-2020-travis-etienne-chase-youngErik Buchinger