More than any unit, Clemson exposed Ohio State's offensive line in its 31-0 whipping of the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff. Quarterback J.T. Barrett hardly had time to do anything, as Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell and Carlos Watkins constantly ripped into the backfield.
The Tigers recorded 11 tackles for loss and three sacks of Barrett, who threw two interceptions. When left guard Michael Jordan went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter, Greg Studrawa tapped Demetrius Knox to replace him.
Jordan returns in 2017, as does stud left tackle Jamarco Jones, right tackle Isaiah Prince plus soon-to-be four-year starter and team captain Billy Price.