LSU and Clemson Play For it All: Previewing the National Championship
We’ve made it. After a college football season full of surprises, upsets, close calls, and everything in between, we’re down to the final game. The #1 ranked LSU Tigers come off of an extremely dominant CFP Semifinal game, defeating #4 Oklahoma 63–28 in Atlanta. Ed Orgeron’s Tigers have had a miracle season, and wasn’t really expected to be here. Ranking #1 in total offense, the Tigers have torn through every defense they’ve faced — and are the first team in college football history with a 5,000 yard passer (Burrow), a 1,000 yard rusher (Edwards-Helaire), and two 1,000 yard receivers (Chase and Jefferson) in a single season. The Clemson Tigers had a bit more of a tough matchup in the semifinal, having to come back a 16–0 deficit. Trevor Lawrence and Co. showed their poise and took care of business. This Clemson team looks to be as complete as any team was this year, putting up 44.2 points per game and not allowing more than 23 points on defense in a single game (only Ohio State scored more than 20). The Tigers will battle it out in New Orleans in what could very well be an instant classic.
LSU Offense vs Clemson Defense
LSU’s offense has arguably been the most exciting unit in all of college football this year. However, Clemson’s defense will be the toughest test they’ve had to date. While Clemson didn’t play any of the top offenses during the regular season, they did phenomenal in their own territory against Justin Fields and Ohio State. Three times that the Buckeyes reached the redzone in the first half, they failed to score a TD. The LSU Tigers will be more likely to capitalize on those opportunities, as they rank #1 overall in redzone efficiency. Possessions in the redzone will be vital in this game. If the Clemson defense can have as strong of a performance as they did in the Fiesta Bowl, that could be a key to winning this game. The biggest matchup between LSU’s offense vs Clemson’s defense will be between Joe Burrow and the Clemson linebackers — specifically redshirt junior LB Isaiah Simmons. Simmons can play anywhere on the field, but will be an important asset in this game in containing Heisman QB Joe Burrow. If Simmons can lock down the middle of the field, but also switch it up and put pressure on Burrow, the LSU offense may have some issues that they aren’t used to. With 6 sacks, a forced fumble and 3 INTs, the experienced Clemson linebacker can really do it all. But, as we all know, Burrow performs well under pressure. Burrow accounted for 15 total TD and 0 INTs combined against Alabama, UGA, and Oklahoma.
Clemson Offense vs LSU Defense
We all know Trevor Lawrence. We all know that he hasn’t lost a game since high school. He’s been here before. That’s where Clemson’s advantage lies. Trevor Lawrence is the projected #1 pick of the 2021 draft, and that’s for a reason. Trevor Lawrence has proven himself as an elite QB time and time again and really made his mark in the semifinal against Ohio State. The true sophomore signal caller was firing on all cylinders against the Buckeye defense, accounting for 3 total TDs on 259 yards passing and 107 rushing. Lawrence’s pocket presence and dual-threat ability will be a factor in extending plays and keeping the LSU defense on the field for extended periods of time. LSU’s defense hasn’t been dominant this season per se, but has stepped up in big moments recently. The Tigers held the Oklahoma offense to under 100 rushing yards in the Peach Bowl, the least rushing yards the Sooners had had since Week 1 of 2017. Strong performances from LB K’Lavon Chaisson and CB Derek Stingley were integral in holding Jalen Hurts and Oklahoma to a season-low 28 points. The most important matchup between these two units will be the showdown outside the hashes — Clemson WRs vs LSU DBs. Clemson, one of the hottest offenses in the nation, has weapons spread across the offense in Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross, and Amari Rodgers. All 3 leading WRs for the Clemson Tigers average at least 12.9 yards per catch, and have combined for 25 TD catches on the year. Higgins’ 6’4”, 215 lb frame as well as superb route running makes him nearly unstoppable. LSU DBs, if anyone, are the ones up for the task. Freshman CB Derek Stingley is the highest graded DB (according to Pro Football Focus), and his counterpart Kristian Fulton is graded in the top 10. The two have combined for 48 forced contested throws, the most of any CB duo in the nation. Jim Thorpe award winner Grant Delpit will also be vital in deep zone coverage, because Lawrence has deep threats all over the field.
Which Tiger will prevail? It will all unfold at 8:00 ET on ESPN from New Orleans, LA. The LSU Tigers are currently 5.5 point favorites.
