Orange Bowl 2015: Preview, Prediction for Clemson vs. Oklahoma
The biggest game in Clemson program history took place in the Orange Bowl. So perhaps it’s appropriate that the Orange Bowl looms large again for the Tigers. Clemson’s only national title season was capped with a 1982 Orange Bowl win over Nebraska, and 34 years later, the program’s first-ever 13-0 team will be back in Florida, albeit in a different stadium.
The former Orange Bowl has been torn down, and the game is now hosted by Sun Life Stadium, 30 miles north, but the Orange Bowl remains important to Clemson fans.
On New Year’s Eve, the Tigers will return to play the biggest game in its history, taking on No. 4 Oklahoma in a College Football Playoff semifinal.
Clemson put together the program's first 13-0 season with a 45-37 ACC Championship Game win over North Carolina, while the Sooners made the playoff with an 11-1 season, an impressive turnaround from a disappointing 8-5 campaign in 2014.
This is a rematch of the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl, but expect a much more competitive game than Clemson’s 40-6 rout of the Sooners in Orlando. OU head coach Bob Stoops revamped his offense following that game, hiring East Carolina offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley to run the “Air Raid” system with great success.
With new starting quarterback Baker Mayfield under center, Oklahoma averages 45 points per game, No. 3 nationally. The Sooners will be a big challenge for Clemson’s talented defense.
Tale of the Tape
1 of 7If this infographic shows anything, it’s that red-zone points will be crucial. Clemson is scoring on 90 percent of its red-zone visits, while Oklahoma has allowed points on 28 of 35 red-zone visits, an 80 percent clip. If the Sooners can stop Clemson in the red zone, it’ll be a huge key to leaving the Orange Bowl with a victory.
Keys to Victory for Clemson
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Keep The Offense Moving
Former offensive coordinator Chad Morris’ departure to become SMU’s head coach didn’t affect the Tigers much, as the Deshaun Watson-led attack averaged 38 points per game, No. 15 nationally. Clemson is balanced and ranks No. 23 nationally in both passing offense (288.5 yards per game) and rushing offense (222.2 yards per game).
The Tigers are best when Watson makes things happen. He has passed for at least 279 yards and rushed for 100-plus yards four times in his last five games.
Pressure Baker Mayfield
Oklahoma is a changed team with transfer quarterback Baker Mayfield under center. He’s a huge upgrade from 2014 starter Trevor Knight, and the offense is much better for it. Clemson has an excellent pass rush led by junior defensive end Shaq Lawson, and if the Tigers can pressure Mayfield, it could be a long night for the Sooners.
Keys to Victory for Oklahoma
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Get Turnovers
Clemson has a high-powered offense, but the Tigers have been turnover-prone. Opponents have forced 11 turnovers in Clemson’s last four games. Plenty of points will be scored in this game, but if Oklahoma can get extra possessions with turnovers, it could make all the difference.
Keep Baker Mayfield On The Field
Oklahoma has been a different team this fall with Lincoln Riley’s “Air Raid” offense and Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield. The Sooners average 307.9 passing yards per game, No. 18 nationally. Mayfield is a dynamic presence, capable of passing and running the ball well. If Oklahoma can put together long drives against Clemson and keep the Tigers’ high-powered offense off the field, it’ll be key for its hopes of making the national title game.
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Players to Watch for Clemson
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QB Deshaun Watson
Last season, Deshaun Watson showed flashes of being a great player. With a full, healthy season under center, he has become one of the nation’s best. The dual-threat sophomore quarterback has thrown for 3,512 yards with 30 touchdowns against 11 interceptions and rushed for 887 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Watson didn’t play against Oklahoma last year following surgery for a torn ACL, but if he can stretch the field, the Sooners could be in for a long night.
DE Shaq Lawson
Clemson has a strong tradition of standout defensive ends, and junior Shaq Lawson is the latest in a long line of excellent pass-rushers. Lawson stepped into the shoes left behind by NFL first-round pick Vic Beasley and excelled, making 20.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He’s a dynamic defensive force who will be a handful for Oklahoma’s offensive line to contain.
Players to Watch for Oklahoma
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QB Baker Mayfield
Oklahoma is a different offensive team this season, and a huge reason why is sophomore quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Texas Tech transfer has been a perfect fit in first-year offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley’s “Air Raid” system with 3,389 yards passing and 36 touchdowns against five interceptions. He also has 420 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
Mayfield is a do-everything presence for the Sooners with excellent toughness and game-management skills. Why did Texas Tech let him transfer, again?
CB Zack Sanchez
Oklahoma will need to generate turnovers to stay in the game with Clemson, and it’s fortunate that the Sooners have a presence like cornerback Zack Sanchez. He is one of the nation’s best cornerbacks with 43 tackles and six interceptions. He’ll be a key presence against the Tigers’ high-powered offense.
What They're Saying
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Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney on the rematch against Oklahoma, per ESPN TV's Rece Davis:
“Oklahoma is a phenomenal team, and all you have to do is watch the tape, and we’ll watch a lot of tape between now and Dec. 31. They’re a special team, and our guys have a tremendous amount of respect. It’s never as good as it seems, and it’s never as bad as it seems. I’ve been on both sides of that coin.”
Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard, to ESPN’s Samantha Ponder on the matchup with Clemson, per ESPN TV's Samantha Ponder:
“I think we match up well. It’s a different year, new team, and they have a great defense. Offensively we just have to get back in the film room and do what we do best. Last year was last year, and we have put that behind us.”
Prediction
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One year ago, these teams met in a total mismatch, with Clemson taking a 40-6 rout in the Russell Athletic Bowl. But both teams have different starting quarterbacks, with Deshaun Watson taking the reins for Clemson and Baker Mayfield taking Oklahoma’s starting role.
The Sooners will put up a much better fight on a much bigger stage. Few teams have even slowed down Clemson with Watson under center, however. This will be a shootout, with plenty of points scored, but expect the unflappable Watson and Clemson’s offense to finish the drill and make the national title game.
Clemson 38, Oklahoma 30
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