GLENDALE, Ariz. — Second-ranked Clemson plays No. 3 Ohio State in tonight’s College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Fiesta Bowl at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The game will kickoff at 7 p.m. on ESPN

So who has the edge in some of today’s biggest matchups?

Clemson’s defensive line vs. Ohio State’s O-line: This is probably the matchup that will win or lose the game for the Tigers. Clemson is second in the nation in tackles for loss and sacks, while Ohio State has allowed 26 sacks this season, including 21 in the last seven games. The two best defensive fronts the Buckeyes have faced this year—Michigan and Penn State—recorded 14 of those sacks. Ohio State likes to run the ball with running backs Curtis Samuel and Mike Weber a lot, as well as quarterback J.T. Barrett. Remington Award winner and First-Team All-American Pat Elflein (6-3, 300) and All-American right guard Billy Price (6-4, 315) led the Ohio State offensive line. They will try to move a Clemson defensive front led by All-Americans Christian Wilkins and Carlos Watkins, as well as Freshman Dexter Lawrence. Advantage: Clemson

Deshaun Watson vs. Ohio State’s secondary: Obviously, this matchup is not all on Watson’s shoulders, it will depend on the Tigers’ talented wide receivers as well. Watson has thrown for 3,914 yards and 37 touchdowns, while completing 67.6 percent of his passes. In the last five games, he has accounted for more than 1,500 yards of total offense and 20 touchdowns. Clemson has six receivers with at least 29 receptions, led by junior Mike Williams, who has caught 84 passes this year for 1,171 yards and 10 touchdowns. Deon Cain is averaging 19.4 yards per reception and has nine touchdowns to with 621 yards. Tight end Jordan Leggett has seven touchdowns and 637 yards on 38 receptions. However, the Buckeyes are equally as good on the back end. Safety Malik Hooker leads a secondary that has 19 interceptions. Hooker has six picks himself and he has returned three for touchdowns. Keep in mind Watson has thrown 15 interceptions, the second most in the FBS. The Buckeyes have returned seven interceptions overall for scores. Clemson is averaging 332.6 yards a game through the air, while the Buckeyes are allowing just 164.5. Advantage: Clemson

Clemson’s linebackers vs. Running back Curtis Samuel: Clemson’s linebackers, especially Ben Boulware, have had issues covering running backs and tight ends out of the backfield. The Buckeyes’ Curtis Samuel might be the most versatile the Tigers have faced this year. He leads the Buckeyes with 65 receptions for 822 yards and seven touchdowns. He also is averaging 7.7 yards per carry and 704 yards and has eight more touchdowns. They love to put Samuel in the slot, out in the field and behind the line of scrimmage. He runs motions and orbits as well, and can run just about any route. Boulware and rest of the linebackers have been burned a lot this year and last year by running backs like Samuel. I would not be surprised to see Samuel catch at least one long touchdown pass today. Advantage: Ohio State

Bottom line: I think Clemson is the better team overall, but the Buckeyes have the talent to be beat the Tigers, especially if Clemson turns the football over more than two times. If Watson and company can take care of the football, I think the Tigers can wear down the Buckeyes defense late in the game and take it over.

Prediction: Clemson 35, Ohio State 17