College Football Playoff- National Championship

(3) Clemson Tigers at (1) LSU Tigers

Clemson: The winning streak lives to see another week. 29 wins and counting. I can admit when they played Ohio State a few weeks ago, they came out and looked flat in each phase of the game. Their offensive line wasn’t holding up, wide receiver Tee Higgins went down with an injury and the defense that’s been considered one of the best in the country struggled to do much of anything. As the game went on, Clemson found their swagger. Here’s my thing: You NEVER underestimate the heart of a champion. In any postseason, experience does play a humongous factor. Therefore, they were able to escape with a win. When they needed to make plays, they were able to deliver. How about Trevor Lawrence? The stats in the Fiesta Bowl win may not have been “eye popping”, but you can’t question this kid’s grit and determination. He put this team on his shoulders and said, “follow me”, I’ll get us over the hump. He finished the game with 257 yards passing, 109 yards rushing and accounted for three touchdowns (two passing and one rushing). I was shocked about their defense early on because they’re tone setters. They’re the ones who are usually pushing people around. They really displayed a bend, don’t break mentality. That means they would give up a ton of big plays down the field, but when you needed them to make a stop, they did it! That final drive that put them ahead of Ohio State showed their championship pedigree. That’s why they’ve been so good. I saw a lot of will and fight in this team. Here they are again playing for another national championship. With the win, they will be looking to complete the dynasty. Three titles in four seasons. To do so, they’ll have a tough out against a scary group from Baton Rouge.

LSU: I knew they’d score points in their playoff debut against the Oklahoma Sooners, but I didn’t think it would be so lopsided. They showed everyone on December 28th why they deserved the number one seed in this year’s field of four. You also saw why they’re the best team in college football. In case you need a recap of what happened in the Peach Bowl, I can gladly give you one. Quarterback Joe Burrow continues to amaze us this season. The Heisman winner accounted for eight touchdowns in the win against Oklahoma (seven throwing & one rushing). I think it’s appropriate to also say he threw all those touchdown passes in the first half. What he did in that game has been what he’s been doing all season long. As much as he’s wowed me this year, this was the most locked in I think I’ve seen him all year which may sound crazy to you as you’re reading this. Each time he touched that football, it was either a big play or six points. Four of the seven touchdown passes went to his top target, Justin Jefferson, two went to Terrace Marshall and one to Thaddeus Moss, the son of the Hall of Famer, Randy Moss. Joe finished the game completing 29 of his 39 pass attempts for 493 yards passing, 12 yards per pass attempt with the seven touchdown passes as I listed up top. This is the scariest offense in the nation by far. I say that because they have more than one guy that can hurt you. That’s the making of an elite offense because when the top target is either off his rhythm or he’s locked up, another guy can just step up to make a play. I’m still a bit iffy on their defense. I do like how they were able to make life disruptive for Jalen Hurts though. I saw consistent activity and movement up front from their defensive line. The magical season will continue once again. For the first time since the 2011 season, the LSU Tigers will be playing for a national championship. Just like that season, the game is also in New Orleans.

Clemson Player to Watch: Xavier Thomas– The X-Man! His numbers may not be eye-popping, but his motor along with his impact on the defensive line is what does it for me. To be a successful edge rusher, you must have a strong sense of anticipation. He has an extremely quick first step which allows him to win many one on one battles in the trenches up front. Xavier always keeps his eyes on the football. Whether he’s stopping a jet sweep, making a tackle to stop the run or he’s rushing the passer, watch his motor closely. You always pull for the players who leave everything on the field. That’s Xavier Thomas for you. I can’t wait to watch him make his mark in this game tonight.

LSU Player to Watch: Derek Stingley Jr.– One piece of “DBU”. Although he’s only a freshman, he plays with the mentality of an older player. He’s a taller cornerback at 6’1 with long arms to make things difficult for his receiver. When you watch the tape on Derek, the first thing you say is wow, there’s no way he’s only a freshman. He’s a student of the game. Number 24 knows the game very well. You also notice how comfortable he is on the island as can be meaning he can defend without help to support him over the top. He passed one test in defending CeeDee Lamb. Tonight, he’ll have another trying to limit to length and playmaking ability of the Clemson group of receivers.

Final Analysis: I’ve been privileged to cover every national championship game since the 2010 season when the Auburn Tigers faced the Oregon Ducks. I have never been so pumped up about a title game as I am about this one. This matchup just screams out collision course to me. That’s how great each of these teams have been. LSU’s offense averages 49 points per game. Clemson comes into this game with the stingiest defense standing that gives up only 10 points per contest. What a battle this should be in New Orleans tonight. It’s imperative that Clemson keeps Joe Burrow in that pocket. Most of his magic comes when he’s using his feet to extend the play. The matchup that immediately caught my attention in this game isn’t even taking place on the field. It’s Clemson’s defensive coordinator Brent Venables against LSU’s passing coordinator, Joe Brady. This should be a chess match between two great football minds. How will each guy look to attack one another? LSU must account for Travis Etienne not only as a runner, but a threat out the backfield. He’s just as dynamic as a receiver as he is in the ground game. I’m expecting LSU’s running game to be more of a factor tonight than it was against Oklahoma.

Prediction: LSU 35 Clemson 27