UConn do it: A look a Clemson's tide-turning Orange Bowl play
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) catches a pass on a fake punt against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aside from being the most entertaining play of the Orange Bowl, Christian Wilkins' 31-yard reception was perhaps the most important play of the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between No. 1 Clemson and No. 4 Oklahoma.
Down 7-3 early in the second quarter, Clemson needed a pick-me-up and head coach Dabo Swinney new exactly where to go to get it: UConn.
That's the name of the fake punt play that resulted in a 31-yard pass to Wilkins, a 6-4, 315-pound freshman defensive tackle. The play not only resurrected the Tigers' third drive of the game, but proved to be the momentum-changer that sparked their 37-17 victory over the Sooners and punched their ticket to the national title game where No. 1 Clemson (14-0) will face No. 2 Alabama (13-1) on Jan. 11.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}