Predicting Bowl Outcomes for Maryland and the Big Ten
By Chris Bengel
![Sep 17, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins take the field led by Maryland Terrapins head coach DJ Durkin before the first quarter of a football game against the Central Florida Knights at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports Sep 17, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins take the field led by Maryland Terrapins head coach DJ Durkin before the first quarter of a football game against the Central Florida Knights at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/12ad8881f031f61872727f6bc81701dec74d2ee0814f688247164be22f8770c8.jpg)
College Football Playoff semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
No. 3 Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) vs. No. 2 Clemson (12-1, 7-1 ACC)
Dec. 31 – 7 p.m., ESPN
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Average Line: Ohio State, -3.5
The Big Ten looked as though they could have two representatives in the College Football Playoff even after Michigan lost. However, Penn State was ultimately denied, so Ohio State is the only Big Ten program in the top four.
Alabama could end up smoking Washington, but Clemson/Ohio State could be a barnburner.
It’s all going to come down to what quarterback makes the plays down the stretch. J.T. Barrett and Deshaun Watson are two of the best signal callers in the country and this one could be a shootout.
The Buckeyes could also try to grind the Tigers down with their stellar running game that features Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel.
Prediction: Ohio State wins 31-28
Next: Outback Bowl