Champions are made in big games and legends are born on the big stage. On Monday, January 13, 2020, under the bright lights of the Super Dome in New Orleans, two teams will battle for the ultimate prize of college football: the national championship. And what a match up it will be- a great offensive team, with a Heisman Quarterback leading the way vs. a great defensive team, with a future NFL signal-caller who has already shown he can handle the pressure. But before we get to predictions or outcomes, let’s talk about each team’s offensive stats.
LSU‘s offensive stats this season skyrocketed with the hire of Joe Brady. Brady turned the Tigers and Quarterback Joe Burrow into one of the most dangerous offensive machines in college football this year. For the season, LSU has lead FBS offensive stats in scored points (48.8 per game), total yards (564.2 yards per game), and yards per play (7.9). This is remarkable considering LSU plays in the SEC, a conference that is known for great defensive play. What is more significant is how Joe Burrow has turned out to be such a superstar. The Heisman winner has thrown for over 5200 yards, 55 touchdowns, a completion percentage of 77.6%, and only 7 interceptions. It also is nice to have a great receiving corp as well. Leading the Tigers in receptions is Justin Jefferson, who has accumulated 1,434 yards receiving and 18 touchdowns. Then leading in total receiving is Ja’Marr Chase, who is leading the team in total yards receiving (1,559 ) and also has 18 touchdowns. And don’t forget about tight end Thaddeus Moss who has been clutch for LSU in big games this season.
On the other side of the field is Clemson, a team that is no stranger to putting up big numbers offensively. For the year, Clemson is # 4 in the nation for scored points (45.2 per game), total yards a game (538.4) and yards per play (7.4). The Tigers are led by sophomore Quarterback, Trevor Lawerence. Lawrence has not had the sophomore slump some were projecting, which is ridiculous considering the numbers he put up as a true freshman. This year, Lawrence has thrown for 3,431 yards, 36 touchdowns, a 67.6% completion percentage, and only 8 interceptions. Accompanied by Lawrence is the three-headed monster: Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross, and Amari Rodgers. All three receivers combined for 2,322 yards and 25 touchdowns. They will need to step it up to help Clemson get the win.
This game tonight is going to be about who can make the big plays? Who is going to be the x-factors for each team? And what are the intangibles?
For Clemson, your x-factor is your defense. You have got to find a way to get pressure on Joe Burrow. He’s been sacked 29 times this season so it’s not impossible, but can they do it all night? How about big plays? You have to get the ball to Amari Rodgers, Tee Higgins, and Justyn Ross to step up from the get-go. These receivers have got to get open. LSU’s DB’s are some of the best in the nation. And lastly, your intangible is Travis Etienne. He is going to need a big game to take the pressure off Trevor Lawrence.
For LSU, your x-factor is your secondary. We all know how good Clemson’s receiving corps is, but LSU’s defensive backs are the best in the nation and they will need to stick with the Clemson receiving corp good tonight. Big plays are going to have to come from your Heisman signal-caller, Joe Burrow. He’s the Heisman Trophy winner for a reason. Let him win the game. And your intangible your offensive line. They have been great in big games this season and you will need them to hold the line one more time for Burrow because Clemson’s pass rush is one of the best in the nation.
I have watched both teams for most of the season and while I can say they both are great, one thing to consider is that Clemson’s players’ have played on the big stage before. LSU’s players are going to be experiencing this type of game for the first time. Will the bright lights, the media hype, the long delay of not playing….will all these distractions/factors affect their mindset? I have also had time to think about this game and many outcomes/scenarios have played out in my mind but I really only foresee one true outcome: a shoot out! That’s right, this is going to be a back and forth type of game so batten down the hatches, there’s going to be a lot of star power making a lot of firepower (see what I did there?).
Get ready. The super dome is going to be lit. It’s going to be an amazing game- an instant classic in the making. It’s Tigers vs. Tigers. It’s Champion vs. Champion. It’s the National Championship, live from New Orleans and on ESPN at 8 PM. Enjoy the game, everyone.
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