No. 1 LSU (14-0) vs. No. 3 Clemson (14-0) in New Orleans, 8 p.m. ESPN
Two undefeated titans clash in the College Football Playoff national title game tonight.
On one side, Clemson is looking for its third national championship in four years, something that only Alabama has done this century. On the other side, LSU is in its first CFP final and is looking for its first crown since 2007 when it beat Ohio State in the BCS title game.
Even though Clemson is the defending champion, LSU has gotten more attention this year as it defeated six teams that were in the top 10 when they played each other. LSU of course also hails from
the mighty SEC, which is perceived as stronger than the ACC, and it usually is, though the difference is overblown if you ask me. And that didn't stop Clemson from creaming Alabama in last season's championship. It's also worth nothing that except for one notable exception, it's not like Clemson struggled with anyone in the ACC this year.
Clemson was punished in the polls when it only edged North Carolina 21-20 during the middle of the season. LSU had a few close games, but nothing like that. But Texas, which finished 8-5, challenged LSU in a 45-38 game and Auburn, which went 9-4, almost knocked off LSU 23-20.
LSU is averaging 48.9 points per game, and QB Joe Burrow won the Heisman and is expected to be the first pick in the NFL draft. But Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence picked it up in the second half of the season, and the team still averaged 45.3 points overall. He would probably be the No. 2 pick in the draft if he were eligible, but the nation has to deal with the true sophomore for one more season. To me, the difference are the defenses. LSU's unit has been much stronger recently, only allowing 16.3 ppg over the past four games, but Clemson has been more consistent over the entire year, giving up 11.5 ppg compared to 21.2 ppg for LSU.
Most experts are picking LSU, and it is playing close to home in the Superdome. It crushed Oklahoma 63-28 in the first semifinal while Clemson overcame a 16-0 deficit to edge Ohio State, 29-23. Clemson has the experience of being on this stage before, and still feels hungry and disrespected. The line has dropped from LSU as a 6.5-point favorite to just a 4.5-point favorite. There are some people not sleeping on Clemson. I'm taking still-underrated Clemson to knock off LSU in what should be a fantastic championship game.
Clemson 37, LSU 34
Two undefeated titans clash in the College Football Playoff national title game tonight.
On one side, Clemson is looking for its third national championship in four years, something that only Alabama has done this century. On the other side, LSU is in its first CFP final and is looking for its first crown since 2007 when it beat Ohio State in the BCS title game.
Even though Clemson is the defending champion, LSU has gotten more attention this year as it defeated six teams that were in the top 10 when they played each other. LSU of course also hails from
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| It's LSU's Joe Burrow vs. Clemson's Trevor Lawrence. Who takes the crown? |
Clemson was punished in the polls when it only edged North Carolina 21-20 during the middle of the season. LSU had a few close games, but nothing like that. But Texas, which finished 8-5, challenged LSU in a 45-38 game and Auburn, which went 9-4, almost knocked off LSU 23-20.
LSU is averaging 48.9 points per game, and QB Joe Burrow won the Heisman and is expected to be the first pick in the NFL draft. But Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence picked it up in the second half of the season, and the team still averaged 45.3 points overall. He would probably be the No. 2 pick in the draft if he were eligible, but the nation has to deal with the true sophomore for one more season. To me, the difference are the defenses. LSU's unit has been much stronger recently, only allowing 16.3 ppg over the past four games, but Clemson has been more consistent over the entire year, giving up 11.5 ppg compared to 21.2 ppg for LSU.
Most experts are picking LSU, and it is playing close to home in the Superdome. It crushed Oklahoma 63-28 in the first semifinal while Clemson overcame a 16-0 deficit to edge Ohio State, 29-23. Clemson has the experience of being on this stage before, and still feels hungry and disrespected. The line has dropped from LSU as a 6.5-point favorite to just a 4.5-point favorite. There are some people not sleeping on Clemson. I'm taking still-underrated Clemson to knock off LSU in what should be a fantastic championship game.
Clemson 37, LSU 34
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