FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Ohio State and Clemson have now been in South Florida for 24 hours. The Buckeyes practiced Sunday, while the Tigers go through their first practice on-site Monday afternoon. In each schools’ first meeting with the media, coaches and players revealed excitement but also a business-like attitude.

A vacation this is not. Ohio State and Clemson both have critics to prove wrong. Instead of the Orange Bowl, the Redemption Bowl would be an appropriate moniker for Friday night’s game at Sun Life Stadium. Big wins dot the resumes in recent years, but so too do massive disappointments.

“We’re ready to go,” said Urban Meyer.

Ohio State

Defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said there’s “always hope” Noah Spence can make it to Miami for the Orange Bowl, but Fickell said team has to continue preparing without him. Jamal Marcus and Steve Miller are the next guys up.

Fickell confirmed Vonn Bell is the starter at nickel.

Asked how he deals with criticism, Fickell says you don’t listen. He said he even his kids have made suggestions on defensive adjustments.

The most similar offense Ohio State has seen in comparison to Clemson this season is its own in practice, according to Fickell.

“I don’t know if we've seen a receiving corps the entire year like [Clemson’s].” –Fickell

Bradley Roby, who’s missed some practice time in recent weeks and wore a sleeve on his knee yesterday, was scheduled to appear at interviews but did not show up. Roby is day-to-day, Fickell said. He's still rehabbing. Buckeyes are hopeful to have him match up against Sammy Watkins.

If Roby can’t go, Armani Reeves will start.

C.J. Barnett called Sammy Watkins one of the fastest guys OSU’s faced and someone who’s playmaking ability is through the roof.

On improving the defense, Fickell said it’s as simple as the 11 guys on the field working together.

Ryan Shazier said the NFL Draft Advisory Board gave him a second-round grade.

Clemson