Brad Edwards: 16 CFP semifinals have provided 2 classics, not much else

5. Ohio State 49, Clemson 28 

Season: 2020

Clemson entered as about a touchdown favorite, so this was one of the rare semifinal upsets. Because of the impact of COVID on the 2020 season, Ohio State had played only six games, and two of them were somewhat underwhelming victories. It seemed like the disjointed season was going to prevent the Buckeyes from ever reaching their potential.

Unfortunately for Clemson, this was OSU’s night to shine, and it may have been the finest moment for QB Justin Fields. He already had a pair of TD passes midway through the second quarter with Ohio State leading 21-14, when he took a helmet to the ribs and appeared to be badly injured. Fields not only kept playing, but he also kept throwing touchdowns, finishing with six on the night, even though he was clearly feeling the effects of the earlier hit.

In the end, it wasn’t much of a game, but it’s one great example of what can happen any given day for a team with plenty of talent.