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Ryan Day, Dabo Swinney preview Ohio State-Clemson matchup in Fiesta Bowl
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Ohio State and Clemson are meeting in the Fiesta Bowl for a rematch of the 2016 game. The winner gets the chance to play for a national title.
On Sunday, following the selection show, ESPN hosted both Ryan Day and Dabo Swinney to preview the matchup, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 28.
Day said he was thrilled to just be a part of the College Football Playoff this year and that he looks forward to playing a really good Clemson team in the Fiesta Bowl.
“First, I just have an unbelievable respect for what Dabo’s done and that Clemson program, They’re the defending champs,” Day said on ESPN. “We’re just honored to be part of this playoff and excited to have an opportunity to play another game.”
Day talked about having to play a perfect football game against the two-time College Football Playoff champions, in large part because of the play of sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He had some really high praise for the Clemson quarterback.
“I think it’s going to be a great matchup. Trevor is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and has done it on the biggest stages. He’s done an unbelievable job.
“We have to be ready to execute at a high level. The margin for error will be tiny.”
Swinney was asked for his thoughts on the matchup with Ohio State, and like Day, the Clemson head coach was very complimentary of the Buckeyes and his coaching counterpart.
“I have a great, great and deep appreciation for how hard it is to do what they have done,” Swinney said. “To go undefeated, to win your championship game, you know you’re going to get everyone’s best, the whole country is always going to watch. What Ohio State has done, what Coach Day has done, is really special.”
Both Ohio State and Clemson finished the season 13-0 and won their respective conference championship games. This will be the Buckeyes’ third trip to the College Football Playoff, and the Tigers fifth-straight visit.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB