To the Clemson defense, a second-consecutive matchup with Ohio State brings a new level of motivation.

Last postseason, Justin Fields and company delivered a Fiesta Bowl-opening blow to the Tigers that few saw coming. Clemson quickly pulled itself together, but certainly wasn’t expecting the level of physicality that Ohio State presented from the jump.

Now, both teams are prepared for a heavyweight fight.

“It’s the stage that we’re in, and the stage that we’re gonna be on in the future, especially the Playoff,” Clemson linebacker Baylon Spector said. “Teams are very physical. It’s the best of the best. I think you just have to be ready for it.”