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One of the more intriguing bowls that will take place before New Year’s Day will be the Russell Athletic Bowl between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Clemson Tigers. Both teams won BCS bowl games last season but had somewhat disappointing campaigns in 2014, as they failed to live up to expectations. However, both now have the opportunity to use this bowl game as a springboard to a bounce-back season in 2015 in a matchup that brings together a high-scoring offense and a top-flight defense.
The Sooners have only been held under 30 points just once this season, giving them one of the most consistent offenses in the country. True freshman running back Samaje Perine has led the way with over 1,500 yard rushing and 21 touchdowns this season. Perine was hurt in Oklahoma’s season finale, but there’s a good chance he’ll be healthy enough to return for the Russell Athletic Bowl. There’s also a chance starting quarterback Trevor Knight could return from injury in time to face Clemson, which could put the Oklahoma offense at full strength. If not, Cody Thomas will start against the Tigers after starting in place of Knight during the final three games of the regular season.
If Knight and Perine are not back for the Russell Athletic Bowl, the Sooners could be in trouble against the Clemson defense. The Tigers have allowed just 17 points per game this season and have a dynamic front-seven that’s filled with seniors, many of whom will have a chance to play on Sundays next year. The Clemson defense is particularly stout against the run, which could make it difficult for the Sooners to establish a consistent ground attack even with Knight and Perine healthy. If there’s any weakness to the Clemson defense, it may be the youth in the secondary. But throwing the ball is not the strength of the Oklahoma offense, and throwing the ball downfield will force the Sooners to contain pass rusher Vic Beasley, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, which is no easy task.
Of course, the Tigers have been erratic offensively this season, and they also have a question as to who will be their quarterback in the bowl game. The Clemson offense has been at its best under true freshman Deshaun Watson this season, but he may undergo surgery for a torn ACL rather than play in the bowl game. That will leave the Tigers to rely on senior Cole Stoudt, who has thrown for six touchdowns and 10 interceptions this year. Clemson has a young group of receivers and a modest rushing attack, and that has not been enough to score points on a consistent basis this season, especially when Stoudt has been at quarterback.
Must of the Russell Athletic Bowl will depend on which injured players on both teams end up playing, but this is most likely going to be a low-scoring game that’s dominated by defense. Even if Oklahoma is at full strength, it’ll be tough for the Sooners to move the ball against the Clemson defense. But whether Watson plays hurt or doesn’t play at all, the Tigers may not have a lot of success on offense either. These are two good teams hoping to end a somewhat disappointing season on a high note, and if either can eclipse 20 points, they’ll be in great shape to get a win.
Prediction: Clemson 20, Oklahoma 13
Bryan Zarpentine is a New York Mets writer at www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook, follow him on twitter @BZarp and add him on Google.
