Fiesta Bowl 2016: Predictions for Top Prospects in Ohio State vs. Clemson

The Fiesta Bowl is one of the most highly anticipated battles of the postseason, and not just for college football fans.

While the nation will have its eyes on Clemson and Ohio State to see which squad will advance to the national title game, NFL scouts and fans will be watching as well to see some of the most intriguing prospects in the country.

Even without underclassmen expected to return to school like Ohio State's Malik Hooker or Clemson's Christian Wilkins, there are plenty of 2017 prospects worth following in the big game. Here are some of the top names to follow on New Year's Eve.

Clemson

Deshaun Watson, Quarterback

The biggest star in this game will be Deshaun Watson, and NFL scouts will be very interested to see how he fares against top defenses in the College Football Playoff.

It's easy to see Watson's appeal at the position, featuring the ability to beat teams with both his arm and his legs.

"Very rarely do you have a guy who's that big and athletic who can throw," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said of Watson, per Bill Landis of Cleveland.com. "We're still trying to figure that out."

The problem is he hasn't improved in key areas since last season. One of his biggest weaknesses is turnovers, throwing 15 so far in 2016 after totaling 13 a year ago. He has also been less dominant as a runner, losing more than a yard per carry compared to last season (5.3 to 4.1).

These issues could continue against an Ohio State defense that has a lot of speed to cover the majority of the field.

Watson will call his own number enough to put up big numbers, likely over 300 passing yards and about 50 rushing yards, but it will take a lot of plays to get there and you can expect at least a couple of turnovers in the process.

Mike Williams, Wide Receiver

If there is one player Clemson will be able to rely upon in a big game its Mike Williams.

The 6'3" receiver has been a consistent option for the Tigers this year, catching at least five passes in each of the last seven games. He leads the team in catches (84), receiving touchdowns (10) and has 534 more receiving yards than anyone else on the roster (1,171).

Even with quality cornerbacks going up against him, Williams is a mismatch for virtually anyone at this level. He can use his size and athleticism to come down with any 50-50 ball and he has complete trust from his quarterback.

Look for the talented player to showcase his ability with over 100 yards and a touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl.

Cordrea Tankersley, Cornerback 

Virginia Tech tried to challenge Cordrea Tankersley in the ACC Championship Game and likely regretted it.

Bleacher Report's Connor Rogers broke down the senior's game:

He has good size at 6'1", 200 pounds and can match up against any of Ohio State's receivers, especially red-zone threat Noah Brown.

The problem is Ohio State will likely work around it, finding other players on the opposite side of the field. Curtis Samuel will be especially dangerous either out of the backfield or in the slot. 

Tankersley will do his job, but the Buckeyes will also try limit his impact on the game.

Ohio State

Raekwon McMillan, Linebacker

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

After leading Ohio State with 119 tackles last season—an impressive feat considering fellow linebackers Darron Lee and Joshua Perry are currently in the NFL—Raekwon McMillan has only managed 87 tackles this year.

Of course, he still knows how to step up in big situations, like the overtime win over Michigan. Chase Goodbread of NFL.com provided a look at just how well he played:

Fans should expect a similar performance against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. Although it's tough to imagine he will pick up quite as many tackles, he should still be all over the field with few missed opportunities throughout the game.

Clemson running back Wayne Gallman will have a hard time finding much room up the middle when McMillan is in the area.

Gareon Conley/Marshon Lattimore, Cornerbacks

It is tough to evaluate the best cornerbacks in what is becoming an impressive class at the position. However, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller has Ohio State's duo near the top with Gareon Conley listed at No. 2 and Marshon Lattimore considered the fourth-best in the class.

On the other hand, this might be the best passing attack the Buckeyes have seen all year, at least since a September win over Oklahoma.

Lattimore and Conley did slow down Dede Westbrook, but Thomas represents a new challenge thanks to his size. Fellow receivers Artavis Scott and Deon Cain as well as tight end Jordan Leggett will also be threats all over the field.

Clemson will likely be passing a lot in this game and these defenders (along with Hooker) will be able to make some plays on the ball and force turnovers. Still, the Tigers should be able to pick up a lot of yards through the air.

Pat Elflein, Center

This might end up being the most important matchup in the entire game.

Clemson's Carlos Watkins and Christian Wilkins are two of the toughest defensive linemen in the country, combining for 22.5 tackles for loss this season. They can interrupt any game plan if you don't have the interior linemen capable of keeping them in check.

Luckily for the Buckeyes, they have the best center in the country in Pat Elflein.

The senior was named first-team All-American by the Associated Press and brought home the Rimington Trophy, given to the most outstanding center in college football.

Elflein will give J.T. Barrett extra time in the pocket while helping the Ohio State offense stay on track.

Note: Statistics courtesy of official team sites.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter.