Was it just wishful thinking?
After Clemson dominated Notre Dame in the ACC Championship – particularly with their offensive and defensive line play – I thought the Tigers were peaking at the perfect time. My worries about Clemson’s less than elite play in the trenches dissipated. I saw an Ohio State team whose defense lost a bevy of talent both on the field and on the sidelines and was excited for a fun matchup and likely win. My confidence was shaken a bit when we learned that OC Tony Elliott would not call plays due to a positive COVID-19 test, but I convinced myself Clemson would be ok, and if we’re honest, Elliott’s absence wasn’t the difference in the game.