Clemson vs Ohio State kicks off at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN. Read on for my against the spread pick and some online betting specials. You can even bet this game for free at several top books.
Online Betting Preview: #3 Clemson vs #2 Ohio State
The Fiesta Bowl @ State Farm Stadium, Glendale AZ
Spread: Clemson -2.5 at Caesars
Over/under: 62.5
Ohio State is not getting blown out 31-0 like they did three years ago against Clemson. The Buckeyes have way too much talent and too many skill players to keep them off the board all game. Now, keep in mind that up until late in the second quarter of the Big 10 title game Wisconsin was blowing them off the ball and running all over them. Sure, it’s a one-game sample, but OSU gave up 99 YPG on the ground but got gashed for 200 by Wisconsin. Sure, Clemson plays in the atrocious ACC, but they rack up 259 PG on the ground. Is OSU the team that stuffs Travis Etienne?
What’s more, Justin Fields is nursing a tweaked knee. Whether he’s 100 percent or not is a big factor. A couple days ago he said his knee was 80-85 percent but over the last 24 hours has gone completely mum about his knee. Teammates are saying he’s 100 percent. Ohio State fans will probably say it doesn’t matter because they want this one badly. Well, if Fields is anything less than 100 percent it’s going to be hard for Ohio State to overcome Clemson’s defense.
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Clemson has had a relatively easy season, but it’s not their fault they play in a crap conference. They have had only one game that was competitive, against North Carolina, but it’s not like Clemson is not used to big games since this will another trip to the playoffs for them. Ohio State has had to deal with some more competitive games, but they more or less breezed through the vast majority of their season.
Swinney is going to be aggressive on both sides of the ball and send his guys flying all over the field. OSU is going to be playing catchup for most of the game unless they can get an early turnover. A lot of this boils down to the eye test and I’ve watched the vast majority of both teams’ games and for me, it’s Clemson all the way. They are faster, stronger, and bigger. Ohio State is a damn fine team, but Clemson is capable of lighting anyone up for 50 points and crushing an opponent’s hopes in the 4th quarter.
THE PICK: Clemson -2.5
Where to bet on the Fiesta Bowl online
DraftKings will give you a $10 Free Bet for the CFB National Championship Game if you bet $25 or more on either semi-final game. Pre game spread bets only. Players in NJ, PA, WV and IN all quality.
If you’re in NJ, PointsBet has some great odds boosters. For this game you can get +140 on Chase Young to get 2+ sacks. BETMGM also has a bunch of boosts for the bowl games. Like $100 to win $1200 (+1200) if Clemson, Iowa State and Memphis all win their bowl games.
Pennsylvania online sportsbook players should bet Clemson vs Ohio State at Unibet, where they have $20 Free bets just for signing up. Yes, that’s $20 to bet with no deposit required.
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you have a gambling problem.
