It all comes down to this. The battle of the Tigers will commence on Monday at 8 pm at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Let’s take a look at the two teams and how they got here and also make some picks and predictions for the game.
LSU (14-0)
LSU demolished Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl by a score of 63-28 to get them back to the Natty for the first time since the 2011 season. Ed Orgeron, who is most notably known for his Cajun accent and his “Geaux Tigers,” after every interview is now in the spotlight for a different reason. Coach O has built a relationship with senior quarterback Joe Burrow and has instilled a confidence in him that has led to a Heisman Trophy in the process. Just two years ago, Burrow was notably the backup to Dwayne Haskins and J.T. Barrett at Ohio State in 2016 and 2017. After riding the bench, Burrow was not satisfied and took a chance by trusting Orgeron and transferring to LSU. Spoiler alert, it paid off. He has flourished in his two years at LSU, but this year is where he really has shined. In 2019, Burrow has video game-like numbers with 5,208 passing yards and 55 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. It also doesn’t hurt that Burrow has a good supporting cast around him in receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson who both have over 1,000 yards receiving this season. In the backfield, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been a problem for opposing defenses as he has over 1,300 rushing yards while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Even with all the success, Orgeron and the stars of LSU seem poised to finish off their historic season on a high note and this will be a great test for them to prove it.
Clemson (14-0)
Clemson has been doubted, Dabo Swinney will tell you as much. His team is coming off a thriller against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Nolan Turner’s interception of Justin Fields in the end zone sealed a 29-23 victory that sent Clemson back to the title game for the fourth time in the last five seasons. The Tigers have not lost a game since October 13th, 2017 where they fell in the Carrier Dome to Syracuse 27-24. That being said, Clemson is still the underdog, and that will certainly fuel Dabo’s squad in order to prove people wrong again. Sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence is 29-0 as a starter with a National Championship victory against Alabama under his belt. Lawrence’s numbers have seemingly improved from an already impressive freshman campaign in 2018. He has 36 touchdowns, 3,431 passing yards and 67.6 completion percentage, but that’s just part of his success. A reason for the big step in his play has been the running game. In 2019, Lawrence is averaging 5.5 yards per rush, has 514 rushing yards, and 8 touchdowns. This element has increased a potent Clemson running attack that is accompanied by junior running back Travis Etienne. Etienne is having another solid year as he has rushed for 1,536 yards with 18 rushing touchdowns and also has 396 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns as well. A major question for the Clemson offense will be if star wide receiver Tee Higgins will play. Higgins is questionable to go on Monday, and if not, that would be a big hit to the Clemson passing attack. With 1,115 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, Higgins is the clear number one target for Trevor Lawrence. Someone will need to step up if Higgins doesn't play or isn't 100%. Look for sophomore wide-out Justyn Ross to make an impact. Ross actually led the team in receptions during the season with 61. It will certainly be a talking point if Clemson will be able to generate a formidable passing attack if Higgins isn't at his best and Ross is unable to step up.
Predictions
This is an intriguing matchup. LSU’s offense is difficult to stop, but they are going up against a successful and experienced Clemson defense. The total for the over/under for this game is pretty high, coming in at 69.5 and LSU is still favored right now at 5.5. This is a result of two high powered offenses. That being said, I do think this game will be high scoring, even though both teams have good defenses. As a result of Clemson playing in a weaker conference in the ACC, many people still don’t believe that they can compete with LSU. In defense of that statement, they have beaten everyone in front of them, and have not wavered in the past two years. This is going to be LSU’s toughest opponent all season but I think the fact that the game is being played in New Orleans is a big factor. The combination of the momentum that LSU has garnered all season long and having a home crowd will power them past Clemson. Joe Burrow and his supporting cast will have to be up to the challenge in order to cap off a perfect season for LSU and Ed Orgeron. Don’t be surprised if this game comes down to the wire as Dabo and Trevor Lawrence won’t go down without a fight. I think this is a one score game into the fourth quarter, but LSU pulls it out in the end to cap off another great season of college football.
Pick: LSU 38 Clemson 31