Before the season, a Penn State vs. Clemson postseason matchup felt almost inevitable -- just not like this. Back in August, it was easy to imagine the Nittany Lions and Tigers colliding in a College Football Playoff semifinal at either the Peach Bowl or Fiesta Bowl as two national championship contenders.

Miami's defensive front represents their one clear advantage over the Buckeyes – and they'll need complete domination to pull off the Cotton Bowl upset.