Clemson Tigers Feast In Fiesta Bowl, Shutout Buckeyes 31-0, Will Face Bama In Title Rematch
By Brian Hennessy, Clemson Athletic Communications // January 1, 2017
QB Deshaun Watson, DE Clelin Ferrell GAME MVP'S
ABOVE VIDEO: Fiesta Bowl highlights, Clemson vs Ohio State.
(CLEMSON TIGERS SPORTS) – No. 2 Clemson jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 31-0 victory over No. 3 Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on Saturday.
The Tigers, who improved to 13-1, handed Buckeye head coach Urban Meyer his first shutout loss. It was also the highest-ranked team Clemson has ever defeated, as Ohio State is ranked as high as No. 2 in the polls.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson and defensive end Clelin Ferrell earned MVP honors. Watson, the Offensive MVP, was 23-36 passing for 259 yards and a touchdown.
The junior also had 57 yards and two scores on 15 carries. Wayne Gallman added 85 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Ferrell ignited a dominant performance by the Tiger defense, who limited Ohio State to just 215 total yards. Ferrell had three tackles for loss and a sack.
ABOVE VIDEO: Dabo Swinney, Deshaun Watson, Clelin Ferrell Fiesta Bowl postgame.
Ohio State missed two field goals in the first quarter, while Greg Huegel connected on a 45-yard field goal in the first quarter.
Watson scored on a one-yard rush later in the first quarter, then Watson hit C.J. Fuller on a “wheel route” for a 30-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Clemson closed the scoring with Watson’s seven-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and Gallman’s seven-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
ABOVE VIDEO: OSU’s Urban Meyer, J.T. Barrett and Chris Worley speak after Fiesta Bowl loss.
The Tigers advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against No. 1 Alabama at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on January 9 at 8 p.m.
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