Ohio State Game Grades vs. Clemson

The Clemson Tigers thoroughly dominated the Ohio State Buckeyes in a 31-0 demolishing in the Fiesta Bowl. The Ohio State offense could not get anything going, and the defense was good per usual, albeit in a loss.

The Fiesta Bowl was the first bowl game Ohio State was shut out in since the 1920 Rose Bowl.

Here are the grades for the disappointing end to the 2016 campaign:

Rushing Offense: D

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

The Clemson front seven overwhelmed Ohio State all night. Mike Weber had just four carries on the night, two of which were fumbled (the Buckeyes recovered one). Curtis Samuel could not get the edge and run outside the hashes at any point in the game. Ohio State had just 88 yards rushing for the game.

Passing Offense: F

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Ohio State's season-long embarrassing passing game was on full display against Clemson. J.T. Barrett under-threw multiple deep passes that could have resulted in touchdowns. Barrett finished with just 127 yards passing.

Rushing Defense: B

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

For the most part, the Ohio State front seven did its job. The Buckeyes held Clemson to 205 yards on the ground. Raekwon McMillan had a fantastic game and seemed to be in on every rushing-attempt tackle.

Passing Defense: A

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Given the defense was going up against Deshaun Watson, the Ohio State secondary played well. Watson had two interceptions, one of which was on his first passing attempt of the evening. Watson had 259 yards passing and a touchdown to counter his two interceptions, however. The Ohio State pass rush contained Watson and made him beat it in the pocket, which was a challenge.

Special Teams: D

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Tyler Durbin missed two first-quarter field goals, and the special teams struggles were underway. Durbin missed four of his last five field goals on the season. Cam Johnston, however, was one of the Scarlet and Gray's best players in the Clemson matchup. Johnston had seven punts with an average of 49.7 yards per punt.

Conclusion

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Now that 2016 is over, the 2017 season is just 242 days away.

The Buckeyes will be back in action on August 31 at Big Ten foe Indiana.