Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

CBS Sports analysts predict Ohio State-Clemson Fiesta Bowl matchup

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

This year’s trip to the Fiesta Bowl is a shot at redemption for Ohio State.

The last time the Buckeyes finished the season at No. 2 and headed to the College Football Playoff was 2016. They went to the Fiesta Bowl that season and also played a No. 3 Clemson team. Unfortunately, that game ended in a Tigers blowout by a score of 31-0 as Clemson went on to win the national championship.

That creates an intriguing matchup this year, once again between a No. 2 Ohio State team and a No. 3 Clemson team. Both teams enter undefeated with some dominant performances throughout the season.

RELATED: Ohio State’s Justin Fields, Chase Young set Heisman history as finalists

On Tuesday evening, the CBS Sports Network crew of analysts gave their picks for the national semifinal. Rick Neuheisel went with the Buckeyes, but he was left on an island with his selection. Aaron Taylor, Randy Cross, and Brian Jones all went the other way in taking Dabo Swinney and the Tigers.

Here’s what the analysts had to say about their selections:

Can the Buckeyes find their redemption this season? Kickoff for the Fiesta Bowl is slated for Dec. 28 at 8 pm EST. Coverage will be on ESPN.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.