The Clemson Insider graded each position group’s performance in second-ranked Clemson’s 31-0 win over third-ranked Ohio State in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl on Saturday…

Quarterbacks: A

When a team comes into a game sporting the kind of pass defense Ohio State did, the bar is lowered a bit for the opposing quarterback. Still, Deshaun Watson managed to clear the higher bar against the Buckeyes. His 259 passing yards were the most allowed by Ohio State’s defense all year long, and his 63.9 completion percentage tied the best against that unit. Watson’s first pass was intercepted when Mike Williams slipped down, but the ball seemed forced. He only threw one other pick in the game, and that miscue was the product of an elite defensive play. Watson’s rushing ability was on display, too, as he was the Tigers’ second-best runner in the game. Nick Schuessler completed his only pass attempt.

Running Backs: A-

It was a solid day for Clemson’s tailbacks. They combined to gain 116 yards on 26 carries, good for an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Wayne Gallman was responsible for 85 of those. There weren’t many openings available, but his tough running helped keep the Buckeyes honest. CJ Fuller caught his second touchdown pass in as many games—a 30-yard wheel route that gave Clemson a 17-point lead. The reserves were effective running the ball in garbage time, as well.

Wide Receivers: A

The wideouts get graded down for both interceptions because of physical errors. Mike Williams fell down mid-route—one of several issues with footing for him throughout the game—which caused Watson to misfire. Also, Dabo Swinney seemed to suggest Hunter Renfrow lost a competitive play on Watson’s other interception. Still, the group had a sensational game against maybe the most talented secondary it has faced. Williams caught six balls for 96 yards, while Renfrow added five catches for 50 yards. Those two did the bulk of the damage. Ray-Ray McCloud gained 29 yards, but his downfield blocking during the game was impressive. He set the tone for the entire group by seeking contact and delivering crushing blows as the smallest player on the field.

Tight Ends: B+

Jordan Leggett and Garrett Williams each had two targets and one catch. They only combined for ten yards. So why the high grade? On several key runs, it was Leggett sealing the hole with a big block on the back side of the play. He sprung more than a few ball carriers during the game by standing up potential tacklers. When he had to leave the game, that ability to throw a key block was missed. Milan Richard, in particular, missed a chance to pave the way for a touchdown. Overall, the group played a fine game, though.

Offensive Line: A

Clemson’s offensive front gets an “A” grade, as well. Perhaps the biggest compliment to this group is that it went largely unnoticed throughout the game. Watson was rarely pressured and was only sacked twice, and the Buckeyes only had three tackles for loss in the game—less than half of their season average. In that regard, it was one of the best performances of the season for the Tigers up front. They should have had more trouble with the Buckeyes’ front, especially against the run.

Defensive Line: A+

The front four of the Tigers completely and totally overwhelmed Ohio State’s offensive line. The Buckeyes did not have a reputation as a weak pass protecting line, but many of their issues came against teams with a strong pass rush. That trend continued against the Tigers. All three of Clemson’s sacks came courtesy of linemen, including a pair by Carlos Watkins. The front four was also responsible for seven of the team’s 11 tackles for loss, as well as three of the five pass deflections. This unit gets a large portion of the credit for J.T. Barrett’s -2 rushing yards.

Linebackers: A

This crew did not wreak as much havoc as usual in the backfield, but that does not mean they were ineffective. Kendall Joseph led the Tigers with eight tackles, and he also forced a fumble. Ben Boulware provided a handful of tackles, as well, but the group’s greatest contribution was bottling up Curtis Samuel. The do-it-all weapon for the Buckeyes was utilized in a variety of ways, and it took a team effort to corral him. Often, linebackers were isolated on him, so it was incumbent upon them to keep him from busting a big play. Other than one 64-yard run, Samuel was silent.

Defensive Backs: A

Ohio State isn’t even close to the best group of receivers Clemson has faced. Even so, its passing game was grounded to a greater degree than most expected. Cordrea Tankersley and Van Smith both intercepted Barrett passes, and Smith caused a fumble. Mark Fields and Trayvon Mullen—two reserve cornerbacks—each deflected a pass in the game. The Buckeyes only managed 127 yards on 33 throws, a pedestrian 3.8 yards per attempt. The group effort in coverage gets a lot of credit for that.

Special Teams: B+

Clemson only had two punt returns for 16 yards—both credited to Artavis Scott—and did not return a kickoff, so this is primarily about kicking and coverage. Greg Huegel split his two field goals—although the second one came on a controversial no-call for offsides—and struggled to get the ball into the end zone on kickoffs. The coverage units did a decent job of keeping the Buckeyes out of advantageous field position outside of one 54-yard kick return. The surprise of the group was Andy Teasdall, who averaged 41.2 yards per punt—just the third time all year he has been above 40 yards. He kept Clemson competitive in the field position battle all night long.