3 Key Advantages Ohio State Has Over Clemson

Chase Young has been an elite player for Ohio State in 2019.
Chase Young has been an elite player for Ohio State in 2019. / Justin Casterline/Getty Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 13-0 in 2019, but enter Saturday's Fiesta Bowl matchup against the Clemson Tigers as underdogs on the betting lines. Both teams are undefeated and the game should be a close one, living up to the hype.

The Buckeyes do have a few advantages they must employ should they wish to take down the Tigers and remain undefeated.

3. Running Back Depth

J.K. Dobbins is an elite running back for the Buckeyes.
J.K. Dobbins is an elite running back for the Buckeyes. / Justin Casterline/Getty Images

J.K. Dobbins ran for 1,829 yards in 2019 and could have had more if not for Master Teague III rushing for 780 of his own. Dobbins was the lead back and Teague often entered in relief. Both average over six yards-per-carry and are tough for any team to stop. Ryan Day can ride Dobbins and when the star needs a break, the Buckeyes won't lose much production.

2. Everything About Chase Young

Chase Young has been playing at an NFL level.
Chase Young has been playing at an NFL level. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Chase Young was a Heisman finalist even after missing two games. He leads the nation with 16.5 sacks and can only be stopped when double-teamed. Even then, he can still make an impact and adding an extra blocker to him opens up opportunities for the rest of the defense. Clemson's defensive line is great, but they lack the singular production and game-changing ability of Young.

1. Justin Fields Protects the Ball

Justin Fields rarely turns the ball over.
Justin Fields rarely turns the ball over. / Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Justin Fields has only thrown one interception this season. That came against Michigan State in what was an easy 34-10 win for the Buckeyes. If nothing is open he is going to run instead of forcing a throw. Clemson has to game-plan for someone who rarely ever makes a mistake. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence had turnover issues at the beginning of the season.