In the 2014 Orange Bowl, Clemson rallied behind the play of quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receiver Sammy Watkins, the game’s MVP, to down Ohio State, 40-35.
Three years later, the Tigers met the Buckeyes, again. This time it was in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl, a semifinal matchup as part of the College Football Playoff. Led by quarterback Deshaun Watson and defensive MVP Clelin Ferrell, the Tigers handed the Buckeyes their worst bowl loss in its proud tradition, 31-0, on its way to winning the national championship.
“I think we already knew who we were,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said.