Ohio State Already Knows Slowing Down Clemson's Offense Will Be an Enormous Challenge

When Ohio State's head coach says something, he usually means it. There usually isn't much deception behind Meyer's words on certain topics.

So when Meyer met with the media Sunday afternoon following the announcement his Buckeyes would face No. 2-ranked Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff, the immediate praise he had for the Tigers — particularly on offense — carried a lot of weight.

"The skill set on offense is over the top," Meyer said. "They're all NFL players."

OK, so maybe not all, but it's certainly close.

The Tigers are loaded on offense and everything starts with quarterback Deshaun Watson, who on Monday was named a Heisman Trophy finalist for the second-straight season. Through 13 games this season, Watson completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,914 yards and 37 touchdowns. Additionally, the junior quarterback ran for 526 yards and six more scores.

So, yeah, Watson — much like J.T. Barrett for Ohio State — has full control of Clemson's offense.

"Great composure. Very good quarterback," Buckeyes defensive end Tyquan Lewis said. "Can run on the ground, throw the ball, get in the air, tight ends and stuff like that. And that's just from what I saw [Saturday] night."

But he's certainly not alone, and that's what makes the Tigers so dangerous. They have a number of other players at the skill positions who all provide issues for opposing defenses.

First, a look at some statistics from the Clemson skill players and some names to watch:

• Wide receiver Mike Williams: 84 catches for 1,171 yards and 10 touchdowns
• Running back Wayne Gallman: 1,002 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per carry
• Tight end Jordan Leggett: 38 catches for 637 yards and 7 touchdowns
• Wide receiver Deon Cain: 32 catches for 621 yards and 9 touchdowns
• Wide receiver Artavis Scott: 71 catches for 592 yards and 5 touchdowns
• Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud: 45 catches for 443 yards and 2 touchdowns
• Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow: 29 catches for 353 yards and 4 touchdowns

In total, that's six players with at least 29 catches this season. Ohio State has two: Curtis Samuel (65) and Noah Brown (30). The Tigers also have a 1,000-yard rusher in Gallman and Watson, who threw for almost 4,000 yards.

"It all starts with personnel," Meyer said. "I haven't seen it, but I'm going to find out the next few days. I would imagine them and Alabama would be the No. 1 team as far as NFL prospects in the country right now."

Ohio State's defense is one of the best of the country, but the Buckeyes haven't been tested like this all season. Not with this many weapons, anyway.

And that's precisely why Meyer was already singing his praises for the Tigers' offense before he even had a chance to dive in and begin preparing for this New Year's Eve matchup. 

"I know Clemson very well," Meyer said. "I study Clemson just because I like what they do offensively. I know their players from recruiting. I know their staff." 

"We haven't dug into them yet as far as game planning, but I have a pretty good indication of what they are: as talented a team as there is in college football."