For weeks, the Buckeyes have heard the barbs and quips from critics who questioned whether they deserved one of the four College Football Playoff semifinal spots. They even felt the disrespect from Tigers coach Dabo Swinney, who listed Ohio State No. 11 on his coaches’ poll ballot.
Ohio State shook all of that off just as quarterback Justin Fields shook off a vicious hit to throw six touchdown passes — four in the first half — as the No. 3 Buckeyes routed No. 2 Clemson 49-28 Friday night.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s team advances to face No.