Fiesta Bowl 2016: TV Schedule, Odds and Predictions for Ohio State vs. Clemson

Ohio State and Clemson are both programs with experience on the College Football Playoff stage as they prepare to face off in the Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes won the inaugural CFP title, and the Tigers reached the final last season before losing to Alabama.

Their meeting in this year's semifinal has all the makings of an instant classic. The matchup is headlined by Ohio State's punishing defense, Clemson's explosive offense and a multitude of players who will eventually make an impact at the NFL level.

Let's take a look at all of the important details for the New Year's Eve clash. That's followed by a look at the odds and a preview of the battle for a berth in the national championship game.

Viewing Information

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

When: Saturday, Dec. 31, at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Tickets: ScoreBig.com

Fiesta Bowl Odds

Team	Ohio State	Clemson
Role	Favorite	Underdog
Line	-3	+3

Game Preview

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson lived up to the hype as a Heisman Trophy contender by accounting for over 4,400 yards of total offense and 43 touchdowns in 2016. Now the question is whether his big-play ability will lead to enough game-changing moments against a stout Ohio State defense.

Chase Goodbread of NFL.com spotlighted the game's key matchup:

Watson can't get too caught up in trying to force things against the Buckeyes, though. The only negative aspect of his play this season is turnovers. He's thrown 15 interceptions, including three in the team's only loss to Pittsburgh.

The Ohio State secondary is littered with playmakers, which is why the team ranks fourth nationally with 19 interceptions, seven of which were returned for touchdowns. Therefore, protecting the football is crucial for Clemson because one big mistake in the passing game could be enough to turn the tide of the contest.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes rushing attack will be the key element on the opposite side, as OSU will attempt to keep the ball out of Watson's hands as much as possible.

Ohio State is averaging 5.5 yards per rush this season, and its top four rushers, including quarterback J.T. Barrett, all have runs of 39 or more yards. Those monster gains on the ground will be key to flip field position, especially in what should be a close game in the second half.

One thing is for sure: Both head coaches are proud, and perhaps a bit relieved, their teams qualified for the playoff after some drama down the stretch.

Aaron Brenner of the Post and Courier passed along comments from Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney:

"

I've said it many times, this has been the easiest team I've had to coach. It's been the funnest team I've had to coach, the most committed team, the most focused. We haven't been perfect, you know. So we've had some things we had to overcome, but this has been a team that was focused from Day 1.

There's no question this team right here is incredibly deserving of where they are. They've earned it.

"

Meanwhile, Eric Seger of Eleven Warriors provided thoughts from Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer:

"

The amount of teams that were worthy of this—I just said, I'm going to send a text out to my players and staff right now that we receive this opportunity with incredible humility and class because I can name six, seven teams right now that are that quality of teams. We're going to do the best we can to represent.

"

Ultimately, the Buckeyes' experience in close games could be the difference. Five of their last seven games were decided by a single score, including overtime triumphs over Wisconsin and Michigan. Being battle-tested in those situations is invaluable at this time of year.

Prediction: 34-31 Ohio State