What will it take for Clemson to defeat one of the nation’s top programs for the third year in a row to end the season?  How can the Clemson offense be more productive with No. 4 watching from the sidelines?

TCI takes a look at some of the keys to a Clemson victory in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

1 – No Turnovers

One of the keys to a Clemson victory will be to not turn the ball over against the Sooners.  In the games where the Tigers struggled down the stretch with Watson on the sidelines, turnovers were a huge problem.  The huge challenge for new offensive coordinators Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott is to create a gameplan that will not put Cole Stoudt in a position where he will throw the interceptions.

Last week Stoudt said it has not been a confidence problem after Dabo and the staff spent the week of the Georgia State game trying to “rebuild Cole’s confidence”.  That worked great for the Georgia State game, but when Stoudt had to play in the South Carolina game he once again threw a terrible interception.

With an offense that is likely to once again struggle to put points on the board, the Clemson offense simply can’t give extra possessions and good field position to the Sooner’s offense.  If the Tigers don’t turn the ball over the nation’s top defense should be able to keep the Tigers in the game.

2 – Running Game

Clemson must find a way to run the ball against a very solid front seven for the Sooner’s to win this game.  Wayne Gallman has become a force coming down the stretch this season.  The Tiger’s offensive line dominated South Carolina’s front seven and Gallman ran right over the Gamecocks.

Oklahoma has a better defense than what Clemson saw in Death Valley to end the season.

Tyshon Dye will has had several more weeks to get in better shape and get a significant amount of snaps in practice.  If Gallman and Dye can help Clemson move the ball on the ground then it will be a huge boost to an offense that has struggled with No. 18 behind center.

3 – Get the ball to No.3

Artavis Scott had one of the best game ever for any Tiger in the win over South Carolina.  Scott has become the top playmaker on the field for the Tigers.  The offense must find a way to get the ball to No. 3 in space.

If Stoudt continues to struggle to throw the ball down the field coach Elliott and coach Scott need to find other ways to get Scott the ball.  They will need to be creative as Oklahoma will be on the lookout for the screen passes and the jet sweeps.

4 – Move the Chains with Tempo

The Tigers would like to turn up the tempo in the bowl game and wear down the Sooners in the second half.  In order for the tempo to be successful and have the impact desired Clemson will need to move the chains.

If the offense is picking up first downs with the tempo turned up the Tigers can continue the tempo.  If they are getting stopped for three and outs they will have to slow the tempo to make sure the defense doesn’t get worn down like they did in the second half against Georgia to open the season.

5 – Special Teams Victory

With the Tigers looking to win a low scoring game special teams will be critical.  We saw the impact of special teams last year when a muffed punt helped Clemson regain the momentum against Ohio State.  With an offense that may be struggling to put points on the board field position will be critical for the Tigers.

When the Tigers get chances to put points on the board they need to take advantage.  Lakip will need to nail any field goal opportunities he is given against the Sooners.

If the Tigers can win the special teams battle that will help the nation’s No. 1 defense lead the Tigers to another impressive bowl victory.