Gameday+ | Our experts predict the Ohio State-Clemson score

Bill Rabinowitz

OHIO STATE BEAT WRITER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio State 41, Clemson 38

This is a toss-up game. Neither team has a major flaw, and it would certainly be a surprise if the contest resembled the Clemson blowout of three years ago. The Buckeyes' main advantage is that they were finally tested late in the year, unlike Clemson. If it comes down to the final minutes, as it should, that could be the difference.

Joey Kaufman

OHIO STATE BEAT WRITER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio State 38, Clemson 35

The defending national champions have navigated this stretch of the schedule before, capturing the top prize last January, as well as in 2017. But the Buckeyes have been hardened by a tougher schedule this season, an experience that will pay dividends when the evenly matched teams meet.

Rob Oller

SPORTS REPORTER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio State 31, Clemson 30

The best OSU team I have covered in 20 years needs another 100-yard performance by J.K. Dobbins and season-best defense against the Tigers to remain on track for being the best team in school history. The Buckeyes get it done, by a whisker.

Ray Stein

SPORTS EDITOR

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Clemson 34, Ohio State 31

Clemson faced nothing but paper tigers all season, and thus rarely suffered more than paper cuts. The Tigers will get punched in the nose by the most complete team in college football, but they have the big-game experience to withstand the blows.

Eric Boynton

CLEMSON BEAT WRITER

SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL

Clemson 28, Ohio State 24

Despite Justin Fields' tremendous season and eye-popping stats, I believe he has only a slight edge on Trevor Lawrence as a runner, with Lawrence possessing a big edge in the passing game thanks to a receiving corps that's better than Ohio State's. Clemson establishes the run just enough with Travis Etienne to keep the OSU pass rush at bay, and the Tigers' balanced offense proves to be the difference.