Orange Bowl 2015: Breaking Down Biggest X-Factors in Clemson vs. Oklahoma
Clemson and Oklahoma meet in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Eve for a rematch of the forgettable clash in last year's Russell Athletic Bowl.
The Tigers trounced the Sooners by a score of 40-6, which potentially adds a little fuel to the fire for Oklahoma in this year's matchup.
While many of the same players take the field for Clemson, the biggest difference in this matchup is Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield.
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Mayfield alone closes the gap dramatically from the last time these two teams took the field.
In a close matchup, the X-factors often make the difference. Below is a list of some of the most critical areas in which each team needs to excel to pull out a close victory.
Biggest X-Factors
Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard vs. Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander
Baker Mayfield gets all the attention, but Sterling Shepard deserves much of the credit for Oklahoma's passing game success this season.
Shepard finished the regular season with 1,201 receiving yards, nearly double Dede Westbrook, the Sooners' next most productive receiver.
Since Shepard is essentially a one-man show for the Sooners, it's critical that he performs well against a dominant Clemson secondary.
Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who is expected to be an early first-round draft pick, according to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, will likely draw Shepard in coverage for the majority of the game.
"Everything I've heard the last week points to #Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander declaring early for the NFL draft. Expected top half Rd1 grade
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) December 4, 2015"
When these two teams met last year, Shepard was held to just one reception for 13 yards, but he was nursing a groin injury in the weeks leading up to the game, according to Eric Bailey of the Tulsa World.
It's possible that a healthy Shepard could make the difference in this year's matchup.
Clemson Offensive Line
Few teams have been as efficient at protecting their quarterback as Clemson this season.
The Tigers offensive line surrendered just 14 sacks in 13 games this year, tied for the ninth-fewest allowed in the nation.
The Sooners' front seven, however, may be Clemson's toughest test, as it racked up an impressive 37 sacks in 12 games this season.
Statistically speaking, the best pass rush Clemson faced during the regular season belonged to Boston College, which finished with 34 sacks on the season. The Eagles defense managed to rack up three sacks against Clemson, 21 percent of the total sacks allowed by the Tigers this season.
If Oklahoma can exploit the Clemson offensive line and bring consistent pressure on Deshaun Watson, the Tigers offense could be in trouble.
Field Position
Special teams often plays a role in close matchups, and the advantage in this one goes to Oklahoma.
Clemson ranked 127th out of 128 teams in punt returns this season, averaging just 1.5 yards per return.
By comparison, Oklahoma's Sterling Shepard averaged 7.8 yards per return.
Oklahoma's punter, Austin Seibert, and the Sooners' punt coverage squad have been among the most efficient units in the nation this season, ranking 27th in net yards per punt.
If the Sooners are able to win the battle for field position, it could give them an edge in an otherwise close matchup.
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