2019-2020 College Football National Championship Preview- A Tiger Fight

The National Championship game is set, the Clemson Tigers will take on the LSU Tigers. The two best teams are left to duke it out for the big prize. The intriguing part is each team attacks the opposing defense differently. Clemson needs to establish the run to set up the pass. LSU uses the spread passing attack to set up the run. Whichever team is more effective with their game plan will win.

 

Offense:

Clemson will need to be more explosive if they expect to win this game. Running back Travis Etienne has big play ability. He’s equally electric as a pass catcher out the backfield. He’s a weapon that must get plenty of touches and used accordingly.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence will need to be sharp and accurate throwing the ball. He must play mistake free against LSU’s ball hawking secondary. Lawrence will also need to use his legs to gain positive yards and move the chains. His first priority is to get wide receiver Tee Higgins involved early and often. He is a matchup nightmare for any defense.

LSU will do what it’s done all season, spread the field and let quarterback Joe Burrow find the advantage. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal with Justin Jefferson, JaMarr Chase, Thaddeus Moss and Terrace Marshall Jr.

Freshman running back Chris Curry did a good job filling in for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The good news is Edwards-Helaire is healthy and ready to go. His low center of gravity makes it difficult for one player to tackle him. He’s a sneaky pass catcher out the backfield as well. Funny thing is, he’s an afterthought on offense.

Edge-LSU

 

Defense:

Clemson’s defense is stout and everything is based off the pressure the front seven can generate. They are not a high sack team but get after the opposing quarterback. Disrupting LSU’s timing and rhythm is the key.

Their secondary will face it’s most daunting task against LSU’s receivers. They must tackle in space to limit yards after catch. Star linebacker Isaiah Simmons is the quarterback of the defense and will be responsible for getting them in the right sets. He’ll also be important manning the middle of their defense making tackles.

LSU’s defense is not their normal vintage unit but that doesn’t mean they are devoid of talent. The strength of said defense is their secondary. Freshman phenom cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will be matched up with Clemson’s stud receiver Tee Higgins. This matchup will go a long way to determine the outcome.

LSU’s defensive line isn’t known for their pass rush but they are big and clog running lanes. They must also not give Trevor Lawrence room to run.

Edge-Clemson

 

Coaching:

It’s difficult betting against Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. He is big game tested and calm under pressure. His track record speaks for itself. His teams have been to every college football playoff and his experience can’t be overlooked.

LSU’s Ed Orgeron has been pushing all the right buttons all season long. There hasn’t been a problem he hasn’t been able to solve this year. This will be his biggest game to date and the pressure at its peak. Can he finish this journey with the a win?

Edge-Clemson

 

Prediction:

Although Clemson is playoff tested, LSU and Joe Burrow are riding a wave that won’t be stopped. This will be a high scoring shootout and LSU has more ways to score. LSU will pull away late for the win.