This game features two transfer QB’s, two Heisman finalists, one Heisman winner, and arguably the best WR in the nation, and it is somehow the less interesting of the two playoff semifinals. Most expect this game to be fairly one-sided in favor of LSU, but with Clyde Edwards-Helaire hobbled, the Sooners are looking to shock the world, but Joe Burrow may have other plans.

How They Got Here: LSU

How did LSU get here? Well mostly thanks to Joe Burrow carving his way into the SEC single season record books. With the addition of Joe Brady, the Tigers have gone from a bland ground and pound offense to one of the most exciting in the country. In route to the number one seed, LSU went to work defeating the who’s who of SEC teams including, Alabama, Florida, Auburn, and Georgia. Now, Joe Burrow looks to cement his breakout season as one of the greatest of all time.

However, defensively LSU has shown struggles at times this year. Games against Alabama, Florida, and especially Ole Miss show that the defense is the weak link this year. In the Ole Miss game especially, LSU struggled against the run. What does Oklahoma do especially well? You guessed it. The offense should score enough points to be comfortable, but it will be interesting to see if the defense steps up.

Lastly, star running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is expected to play but be limited. Edwards-Helaire has been a breakout star this year, so the Tigers need as much as they can get from him. However, behind him is 5-star freshman John Emery, who could have a breakout game against a suspect defense.

How They Got Here: Oklahoma

On the other hand, Oklahoma had a much more interesting path. Starting their third straight transfer QB, Lincoln Riley established himself as the premier offensive mind in college football. Jalen Hurts, whose main criticism was a lack of passing prowess, got A LOT more accurate. The offense has barely lost a beat, and ranks second in the country in YPG.

However, this team is different from years’ past in the way it moves the ball. As opposed to a large passing attack, this team is content to run it down opponents throats. That being said, they can still score on any given play thanks to CeeDee Lamb.

Defensively, the team is improved from the past few years, but they still aren’t a world beater. There is a reason that Oklahoma feels like the odd team out in this playoff, and it is because of their defense, which one would expect Joe Burrow to have a field day with.

LSU Player To Watch: Joe Burrow, QB

Who else was it going to be? Simply put, Burrow has been the best player in college football this season. After a so-so, 2018 season, the Burrow and Joe Brady connection has been a revelation in 2019. Burrow has thrown for 4,715 yards, 48 TDs, and is completing passes at an insane 78% clip. Expect Burrow to put up big numbers as he has all season.

Oklahoma Player To Watch: CeeDee Lamb, WR

No Jalen Hurts? Lamb has been unbelievable this season, with an insane 14 touchdown catches. If Oklahoma wants to have any shot at beating LSU, they will need both parts of the offense to be working at 100% percent. As the best WR on the field, Lamb will be a big part of that.

Degenerate Section: LSU -13.5 (O/U 76.5)

Look, Oklahoma is probably going to keep the game close, but I firmly believe the Sooner defense will be their undoing. The inability to stop the LSU offense will be what decides this game. When both offenses can score at will, it will come down to the better defense, and that is LSU. Oh, and hammer that over.

You can view the rest of our 2019 bowl previews here.