in prior Fiesta Bowl games. Clemson Tigers Clemson entered the 2019 season as the defending national champions after winning their second national championship in three seasons in 2018. Clemson like Ohio State rolled though their schedule with ease winning every game but one by double digits and defeated Virginia in the ACC Championship Game to move to 13–0. The Fiesta Bowl marked Clemson's fifth consecutive CFP semifinal appearance. The Tigers' most recent loss had been to Alabama in the CFP semifinal Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2018; their 28 consecutive victories were the most in the nation and one of longest winning streaks in FBS history. The Tigers were 3–1 in prior CFP semifinal games, most recently defeating Notre Dame in the 2018 Cotton Bowl. Including national championship contests, this was Clemson's eighth overall CFP game; they had a 5–2 record in prior CFP games, mostly recently defeating Alabama in the 2019 CFP National Championship. This was Clemson's second appearance in the Fiesta Bowl; they defeated Ohio State in the December 2016 edition. Game summary First quarter Clemson won the coin toss, and deferred possession to the second half, giving Ohio State the opening kickoff. Ohio State's offense started strong and following a difficult catch by Garrett Wilson would find themselves at the 5 yard line but would be unable to reach the endzone settling for a Blake Haubeil field goal to take a 3–0 lead. On their first possession Clemson would drive to Ohio State's 32 before attempting a field goal that sailed wide left, keeping the score at 3–0. On the first play on the ensuing drive Ohio State's J.K. Dobbins broke free for a 68-yard touchdown run to give the Buckeyes a 10–0 lead. On the next drive Clemson would drive into Ohio State territory before stalling out and punting the ball to Ohio State, pinning the Buckeyes at their own 9-yard line. On their next possession, Ohio State would gain just 9 yards and would punt. Clemson's offense would fail to capitalize on the strong field position, going three and out and punting the ball for a touchback. Ohio State started their drive on their 25 and were soon faced with a 3rd and 2. On 3rd down and the final play of the quarter Dobbins would once again break free for a big run, running 64 yards to Clemson's 8 yard line before Tanner Muse