OU - Clemson matchup in Russell Athletic Bowl

No. 18 Clemson (9-3, 6-2 ACC ) vs. Oklahoma (8-4, 5-4 Big 12), Monday, Dec. 29, at 5:30pm EST, (ESPN)

Line: Oklahoma by 3 1/2

Series Record: Oklahoma leads 2--1

What's at stake

Clemson is looking for its fourth consecutive season with double-digit victories. The Tigers were 10-4 in 2011, 11-2 in 2012 and 11-2 in 2013. A win this year would give the Sooners double-digit wins for the 13th time in 15 seasons. The game is a rematch of the 1989 Florida Citrus Bowl, which the Tigers won 13-6

Key matchup

This game looks to be a matchup of the Tigers' defense and the Sooners' offense. Clemson comes in with a defensive unit ranked No. 1 in total defense, giving up only 259.6 yards per game. In addition, Clemson is allowing just 97.7 yards a game on the ground, seventh best in the nation. Oklahoma averages 38.9 points a game, 10th in the nation, and is averaging 480.5 yards in total offense (ranked 19th nationally). Clemson allows just 17.6 points a game, the seventh-best scoring defense nationally.

Players to watch

Clemson: After losing freshman standout QB Deshaun Watson for the season with a torn left ACL, the Tigers will need a solid game from Cole Stoudt. The senior is more than capable, throwing for 1,573 yards and six touchdowns in six appearances in 2014.

Oklahoma: Sophomore RB Samaje Perine is ranked fifth in the nation with 21 rushing touchdowns and eight with 1,579 rushing yards. That includes an FBS-record 427 rushing yards against Kansas.

Facts & figures

The senior classes for Clemson and Oklahoma have a combined 80 victories over the last four years, 41 by Clemson and 39 by Oklahoma. Clemson's 41-11 record is tied for the seventh most wins among FBS teams the last four years, and Oklahoma's 39-12 record is tied for the 12th most wins. ... Oklahoma is making its second appearance in the Orlando Citrus Bowl stadium, having fallen to Clemson in coach Barry Switzer's last game in the 1989 edition of the bowl. . This is the 16th straight bowl appearance for the Sooners, who are 28-18-1 in bowls.

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The Gayly – December 28, 2014 @ 3:25pm