Remembering Clemson Football’s 37-17 victory in 2015 Orange Bowl over Oklahoma

It’s officially 37 days until the Tigers start the 2024-25 season against Georgia, a team they could meet again in the playoffs. The number 37 just so happens to be significant in Clemson’s first College Football Playoff win.

No. 1 Clemson defeated No. 4 Oklahoma 37-17 in the 2015-16 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was outstanding on the ground, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He was also 16/31 passing for 187 yards and a touchdown. Running back Wayne Gallman also had a great game rushing, carrying the ball 26 times for 150 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

More impressively, the Tigers held Baker Mayfield and the Sooners scoreless in the second half. Mayfield threw for 311 yards, but Clemson allowed only one passing touchdown, and linebackers Ben Boulware and B.J. Goodson picked him off twice. Oklahoma couldn’t get anything going in the ground game, rushing for a measly 67 yards.

Clemson went on to play No. 2 Alabama in the CFP National Championship but lost by five points.

2016 Orange Bowl Highlights