Orange Bowl 2015: Oklahoma vs. Clemson TV Schedule and Live Stream

The 2015 Orange Bowl perfectly encapsulates the benefits of NCAA's recently installed College Football Playoff.

Two years ago, the undefeated Clemson Tigers would have advanced to the championship game while onlookers bemoaned the 11-1 Oklahoma Sooners missing out. Instead, No. 4 Oklahoma enters the semifinal matchup as a 3.5-point favorite, according to Odds Shark.

Expect plenty of offensive fireworks during a high-scoring shootout closing the year and commencing the four-team tournament. 

Viewing Info

When: Thursday, Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. ET

Where: Sun Life Stadium; Miami Gardens, Florida

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Tickets: ScoreBig.com

Preview

Not every Clemson contributor will make it to Sun Life Stadium. On Tuesday night, ESPN's Price Atkinson reported disciplinary actions for three players:

The most noteworthy name of the trio, wide receiver Deon Cain scored a touchdown in five straight games before the school's ACC Championship Game victory over North Carolina. The 19-year-old freshman averaged a team-high 17.1 yards per reception, and he made big plays efficiently. ESPN.com's David Hale highlighted his productive catch rate despite getting targeted downfield:

Cain, who failed a drug test, according to USA Today's George Schroeder, apologized on Instagram:

Clemson still has Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson at the helm alongside running back Wayne Gallman and top wideout Artavis Scott. A potent dual-threat quarterback, Watson scored 41 total touchdowns during a breakthrough sophomore season, improving his pocket presence while closing the year with four 100-yard games in the past five outings.

He has the full attention of Oklahoma's No. 31-ranked defense. Linebacker Eric Striker, who collected 7.5 sacks during his senior season, complimented his opponent, per the Associated Press' Cliff Brunt.

"He's a great quarterback," Striker said. "I mean, everything about their offense, he is. As far as running, you've got to account for him in every way. It's going to be a great challenge defensively trying to slow him down or stop him. That guy right there, he's for real."

Yet the Tigers could use all hands on deck to match a Sooners offense registering 542.9 yards and 45.8 points per contest. Watson has a gripe for not winning the Heisman, but Baker Mayfield didn't even receive an invitation to the ceremony despite tossing 35 touchdowns and five picks.

The junior transfer has netted 9.6 yards per pass attempt and 42 total scores. He didn't necessarily close the season in grand fashion, amassing 127 passing yards during a one-point win over TCU before the running game (including 77 yards on the ground from Mayfield) decimated Oklahoma State.

Late hiccup aside, he rates third with a 178.9 quarterback rating. He also has a star wide receiver in Sterling Shepard, who recorded 1,201 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Over the last five games, the senior has tallied 652 yards and six scores. 

The superb route-runner will face a daunting adversary in cornerback Mackensie Alexander. When they collided in last year's Russell Athletic Bowl, Shepard submitted 13 yards during Clemson's 40-6 triumph. As observed by Rivals.com's Larry Williams, the sophomore defender is confident he'll again win the battle:

Mayfield, however, is not going to steer away from his go-to target, per the State's Matt Connolly:

Almost exactly a year later, these teams meet again with replenished rosters and higher stakes. Oklahoma cemented an underwhelming 8-5 season with three Trevor Knight interceptions, planting the seeds for a change under center. 

This season, Bob Stoops' squad has gained payback on the four other clubs that handed the Sooners losses in 2014. Now their sights are set on the Tigers, an undefeated underdog still playing second fiddle to more prestigious programs despite their No. 1 rank.