Fiesta Bowl 2016: Underrated Stars to Watch and Picks in Ohio State vs. Clemson

After No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Washington open the College Football Playoff semifinals on New Year's Eve with the Peach Bowl, No. 2 Clemson will meet No. 3 Ohio State in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl from University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to round out the national championship picture. 

Clemson is in search of its second consecutive national championship game berth after losing to Alabama in the title game last season.

After winning the first-ever College Football Playoff in 2014, Ohio State is back in the semifinals despite not winning the Big Ten crown. 

In a game that's riddled with big names on both sides of the ball like Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson and Ohio State playmaker Curtis Samuel, here is a look at some of the more underrated stars who could make a huge impact on the Fiesta Bowl.

Underrated Stars to Watch

Ben Boulware, LB, Clemson

When it comes to Clemson's defense, linebacker Ben Boulware is the straw that stirs the drink. 

Now in his final season, the senior led the Tigers with 105 total tackles while adding nine tackles for a loss and four sacks. 

The versatile, athletic defender has proved that he can help clog up the box or bounce to the outside and run down potential rushers. Regardless, he's a physical presence who can stymie any offensive attack:

His skill set is going to be much-needed against an Ohio State team that offers such dual-threat options like Samuel and quarterback J.T. Barrett. 

Look for Boulware to do plenty of tracking on both of Ohio State's offensive weapons. For Barrett, Boulware has a chance to contain him within the pocket if the Buckeyes' passing game is slow to develop. 

If Barrett does decide to run, the linebacker has the athleticism to catch him. 

Against Samuel, Boulware must be prepared to limit his rushing game while keeping in mind the playmaker's ability to head out toward the flat and utilize the screen game.

Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker, LB, Ohio State

Much like Clemson's Boulware, Ohio State has a pair of linebackers who are going to be vital for its success on New Year's Eve. 

Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker are the Buckeyes' leading tacklers with 87 and 79, respectively. Baker is also third on the team with 3.5 sacks along with a pair of interceptions.

Their priority is going to be Watson, who has been a more pro-style passer this season but still holds the capabilities of extending the play with his legs. 

Both McMillan and Baker are the players I'm looking at to be the ones who can limit Watson, keep him in the pocket and force the ball at times. 

Considering Watson threw 15 interceptions on the season, he is prone to turnovers. Pressure in his face from Ohio State's linebackers can create some problems and force some turnovers that could give the Buckeyes a huge advantage.

Prediction

Ohio State 31, Clemson 27

Clemson has proved to be an inconsistent team at times, and the turnover bug has plagued the Tigers. 

Playing in the ACC, they have been able to get away with it at times, especially during the conference title game against Virginia Tech in which they almost blew a 35-14 lead.

Ohio State is too strong a team for Clemson to have any mishaps, which hasn't necessarily been the case against quality opponents this season. 

And with a defense that is prone to giving up some points, a deep Buckeyes offense will prove to be too much for Clemson to handle in the Fiesta Bowl. 

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