When Ohio State and Clemson last played, pride was the main thing at stake for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State was trying to end its 2013 season on a high note after its devastating loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game. The Buckeyes fell short against the Tigers, too, losing 40-35 in the Orange Bowl.
But that game proved to be hugely consequential in shaping the team that will face the Tigers in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. On both sides of the ball, the current Buckeyes can point to that Clemson game as a line of demarcation.