Nearing second-ranked Clemson’s matchup against No. 3 Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve, the media spoke to defensive tackle Carlos Watkins as part of media day in Clemson earlier this week.

The senior reflected on his final season in Tigertown and discussed the game against the Buckeyes.

Question: What did y’all learn in the playoff last year that’s going to help you this year?

Watkins: “I think the experience was just big for us, to know what it’s like. Plus, playing fifteen games last year, that’s the most you can play. It’s just really getting that experience. I feel like guys that had the experience last year should know what it’s going to take to win it this year.”

Question: You’ve seen some other defensive lineman basically make their career playing in the bowl game or the playoff. Do you feel like that’s an opportunity for you as well?

Watkins: “It’s definitely a big opportunity. Any time you perform on a big stage, it definitely shows our talent. Just like my dad always said, ‘big time players play in big time games.’ So I definitely see a lot of people step up in eh big time games the last couple years.”

Question: What have you seen from Ohio State on film?

Watkins: “Really, really talented team. The talent spreads through the whole offense. Wide receiver, running back, quarterback, o-line… they’re really good.”

Question: You guys have been really good in bowl games over the last four or five years. What’s different about the bowl game that makes you guys so good when you have that extra time to prepare?

Watkins: “The time. Normally we just get a week to prepare for our next game. Once we get a lot of time, we can actually study the team, really get into the film, and pick up a lot of tendencies they do. It really helps us out.”

Question: Are you ready for how much your life is going to change after that final game when everything moves from college to getting ready for the NFL?

Watkins: “Yeah, I try not to think about it. It’s gonna come. I had guys like DJ Reader and Stephone (Anthony) guiding me along the way and telling me how to handle the process. I try not to think about it but I know it’s going to come. I think I’ll be ready for the transition.”

Question: You made a tough decision last year to come back for your senior year. Are you glad you did that?

Watkins: “Most definitely. This has been one of the best years I’ve had at Clemson. Not from on the field, but helping guys mature, being a leader and really just having fun. I talked to Tajh Boyd before the season. He was telling me that this is the last year, just make sure you have fun because you’re not going to get it back. That’s something I just wanted to do, to have fun.”