PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Less than one week remains before Clemson and Ohio State square off in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Ahead of the much-anticipated matchup, The Clemson Insider reached out to a number of top recruits and commits for their predictions on the game:
Chase Brice, QB, Grayson, Ga. (Grayson):
“I think it’s an up-and-down game but Clemson pulls it out 38-31.”
Devontae Dobbs, OL, Belleville, Mich. (Belleville):
“Well first they’re gonna have to beat Ohio State defensively. They have to sack J.T. Barrett, stop the pass and run. Keep them at a slow tempo. And they have to have Deshaun Watson at A-plus performance. Number nine (Wayne Gallman) as well. So, this game will be won on defense. May the best team win.”
Jeremiah Gray, S, Charlotte, N.C. (Ardrey Kell):
“I see Clemson beating Ohio State 38-21. I think Jadar Johnson will have two picks. Then Clemson will beat Alabama 31-28 to win the ‘ship’!”
Teradja Mitchell, LB, Virginia Beach, Va. (Bishop Sullivan Catholic):
“Very very hard. I’m not sure about this one lol. I predict a very very close game though.”
Mustapha Muhammad, TE, Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point):
“I think it will be a great game and Clemson will win by three. 27-24”
K’Vaughan Pope, ATH, Dinwiddie, Va. (Dinwiddie County):
“Clemson 42, Ohio State 36”
Amari Rodgers, WR, Knoxville, Tenn. (Knoxville Catholic):
“31-27 us”
Baylon Spector, LB, Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun):
“27-17 Clemson”
A.J. Terrell, CB, Atlanta, Ga. (Westlake):
“35-32 Clemson”
Charles Thomas, LB, Fairburn, Ga. (Langston Hughes):
“Clemson 28, Ohio State 14”
Blake Vinson, OL, Citra, Fla. (North Marion):
“I think Clemson will come out on top 34-21. Controlling the line of scrimmage and winning the turnover battle will be key. Go Tigers!”