Clemson vs. LSU: National Championship Preview and Prediction

The 14-0, Clemson Tigers will take on the 14-0, LSU Tigers
The Game is Schedule for January 13th, 8:00 PM on ABC TV.

Clemson:

Clemson is looking to win their 3rd National Championship in 5 years. The Tigers cruised through the ACC and had a tough matchup in their Semi-Finals against Ohio State. The Buckeyes led 16-0 before Clemson outscored them 29-7 the rest of the game. Dabo Swinney and his coaching staff made the adjustments after the first quarter and beat a very good, OSU team. Clemson has the best running back and quarterback combination in college football. Trevor Lawrence has completed 67% of his passes had 44 total touchdowns and only 8 interceptions. Travis Etienne was a huge factor against Ohio State and he should be able to put up numbers against LSU. He is averaging 8 yards per carry and caught 32 balls out of the backfield. Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross had 127 catches and 21 TD catches on the year.

Dabo’s defense doesn’t have the household names that they had last year, but statistically, this team is better. They only gave up 11.5 points per game this year and Clemson has 7 players who have over 40 tackles. If this team wants to win back-to back National Championships, they must find a way to put pressure on Joe Burrow and create turnovers.

LSU:

This LSU team could have the best offense in the history of college football. They are putting up video-game like numbers. The Tigers are 1st in the NCAA averaging 48.9 points per game. Joe Burrow has thrown for 5200 yards, 59 total touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. Burrow has completed 77.6% of his passes. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has rushed for 16 touchdowns and averages 6.6 yards per carry. The Tigers wide receivers group is filled with future NFL players. Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Thaddeus Moss have combined for 50 touchdowns.

Ed Orgeron’s defense has given up 21.6 points per game and allows opposing offenses to rush for 118 yards per contest. This LSU defense is not elite, but they can make big plays when the have to.

Prediction:

These have been the two best teams in the country, all season long. LSU has more talent on offense but Clemson is better defensively. Dabo Swinney has been to 5 straight final four playoffs for a reason, he is the best coach in college football. Most experts are picking LSU, I am taking Clemson because of their coaching staff and the quarterback that was born for moments like this. Lawrence has never lost a college football game.