In the final College Football game of the season, the 14-0 LSU Tigers will face off against the defending national champions, the 14-0 Clemson Tigers.
How They Got Here: LSU
LSU came into the season with one of the most brutal schedules in all of the FBS. After beating Texas on the road, QB Joe Burrow started making noise for a Heisman trophy run.
After beating teams like Alabama, Florida, and then Georgia in the SEC championship game, Burrow secured the Heisman, and the number one seed in the playoffs.
LSU took on Oklahoma in the semi-finals at the Peach Bowl. After seven TD passes in the first half, and eight total TDs for the game, LSU steamrolled Oklahoma 63-28 to clinch a spot in the national championship, right in their back yard at the Super-Dome.
How They Got Here: Clemson
Clemson lost a ton of talent on defense coming off a 15-0 National Championship season. They were able to rattle off another perfect season on their way to the college football playoffs once again.
Led by Trevor Lawrence, Clemson survived a scare against North Carolina where NC had a chance to win with a two-point conversion, but failed to convert.
After some questions about their strength of schedule, Clemson demolished everyone in site, earning the third seed and a matchup with Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.
After going down 16-0 early, Clemson was led by a strong performance on both sides of the ball and barley survived thanks to a game-sealing INT in the endzone by Nolan Turner to secure a 29-23 victory.
Players To Watch:
Clemson: Travis Etienne
LSU’s biggest weakness has been their defense, specifically their tackling outside. While they have played much better as of late, its still something Clemson should look to take advantage of. If they can get their athletes the ball outside, they will be able to move the ball better than inside the tackles.
LSU: Grant Delpit
Obviously the QB matchup will be the biggest story of the game, but LSU needs their defense to be sharp. Delpit is their best player and will be a day one pick for the NFL. If LSU can handle Clemson’s offense like Ohio State did, they should win.
Prediction: LSU 49 Clemson 45
Gambling: LSU -5.5 O/U 69.5
I have Clemson +5.5 and the over. I think LSU will win outright, but expect one of the best Championship games we have ever seen.
Also, who else is pumped for Coach O’s “Go Tigers” pre-game?