Orange Bowl 2015: Stat Predictions for Key Playmakers in Oklahoma vs. Clemson

The performance of individuals does not matter. Star players for Oklahoma and Clemson could each turn in the worst games of their careers, and if their team wins, no one will remember. Every player on both sides would acknowledge the team effort far outweighs whatever individual statistics they put on the board.

That said, speculating about potential performances is pretty fun. Oklahoma and Clemson, on paper, feel like the far more traditionally fun matchup of the College Football Playoff semifinals. Both teams boast prolific offenses and less-than-stellar defenses that will make an interesting contrast when they go head-to-head with the winner of Michigan State-Alabama.

For now, though, we can probably just expect a first-to-40 thriller. With that in mind, let's take a look at some offensive skill position players on both sides and make some stats predictions.

QB

Deshaun Watson (Clemson)

Let's look at this logically. Watson has had at least two touchdown passes in 10 of his 13 games this season. We can start there by making him down for two and moving on. While he's had only four 100-yard rushing games, each of them have come in his last five matchups. He's also scored a rushing touchdown in seven of his last eight contests.

While it's worth noting that we'll be depressing numbers a little bit simply for the sake of the stage, there's little reason to believe Watson will shrink when it matters most. He's performed admirably in every big game this season, exempting the near-loss to Notre Dame, so expect another multi-touchdown bonanza.

Stat prediction: 250 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 75 rushing yards, 1 TD

Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma)

Using similar logic, let's start again by giving Mayfield a minimum of two touchdowns through the air. He's been held to one touchdown only once all year, including his less-than-stellar performances against TCU and Tennessee.

Finishing fourth in the Heisman race, Mayfield should be in for a solid day against a Clemson defense that's allowed six touchdown passes in its last two games. Mayfield has also been more of a threat to run as of late, scoring touchdowns in three of his last four contests.

Stat prediction: 275 passing yards, 3 TDs, 45 rushing yards

RB

Wayne Gallman (Clemson)

Gallman has quietly been among the country's most consistent performers all season. He's gone over the 100-yard mark eight times and scored at least one touchdown in five of his last six appearances. The Tigers have also handed him the ball consistently, as he finished with less than 15 carries only twice and has 20-plus attempts in four of his last six games.

Oklahoma's been solid against the run for most of 2015, as opponents have averaged only 3.6 yards per carry. Of Clemson's star players, Gallman is the one most likely to turn in a below-average performance.

Stat prediction: 85 rushing yards

Samaje Perine (Oklahoma)

After a bit of a slow start, Perine came through with a strong sophomore season. He rushed for 1,291 yards and 15 touchdowns, going over the 100-yard mark in his last three contests. The 5'11", 237-pound bruiser scored 12 of his 15 touchdowns in the Sooners' final 12 games.

If recent performance is any indication, Perine should continue his rise Thursday. Clemson opponents had far more success on the ground than through the air during the regular season, so it may be up to Perine and Joe Mixon to carry the load at points.

Stat prediction: 120 rushing yards, 1 TD

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

Joe Mixon (Oklahoma)

Mixon might be the biggest wild card in this matchup. If he breaks out, Oklahoma's going to win. The Sooners offense has been borderline unstoppable in games where Mixon has performed well and far less so when he's been average. Mixon is only going to get 10 or so touches, so what he does with them will go a long way in determining the final score.

Clemson hasn't given up many big plays on the ground this year, so a conservative estimate might be for the best.

Stat prediction: 50 rushing yards

WR

Artavis Scott (Clemson)

Scott was Watson's underneath safety valve all season, grabbing 84 balls for 805 yards and five touchdowns. He's had at least five receptions in 10 games this season, and though they're rarely for big yardage, Scott consistently finds a way to make plays when they're needed.

Oklahoma has mostly done a good job at limiting big downfield plays in the passing game this season, so Scott will have to have a big game for Watson to have success. Luckily for Clemson, recent history suggests that will be the case.

Stat prediction: 8 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD

Sterling Shepard (Oklahoma)

Shepard had a massive finish to his regular-season collegiate career, posting 47 receptions over his final five games and scoring at least one touchdown in every contest. The 5'10" senior finished the regular season with 79 receptions for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns overall. He's had just one game all season with less than 50 yards and only four without a touchdown.

Suffice it to say we can all expect a big output Thursday.

Stat prediction: 9 receptions, 125 yards, 1 TD