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5 Bold Predictions for Clemson Against LSU in the National Championship

By Steven Kubitza

Trevor Lawrence led Clemson to a victory over Ohio State.
Trevor Lawrence led Clemson to a victory over Ohio State. / Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The Clemson Tigers took down Ohio State in one of the better semifinal matchups in the history of the College Football Playoff. Next comes the tougher challenge against the LSU Tigers in a matchup of two undefeated teams with future NFL draft picks all over the field.

Clemson is the team with more experience and is looking to go back to back as champions. The game should be a wild one, and here are five bold predictions for the Tigets ahead of the best game of the year.

5. Trevor Lawrence Passes for More Yards Than Joe Burrow

Trevor Lawrence takes on Joe Burrow in the championship game.
Trevor Lawrence takes on Joe Burrow in the championship game. / Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Trevor Lawrence threw for 259 yards against Ohio State as he struggled with only 18 completions. The game against LSU should be a shootout and Lawrence will find himself throwing early and often. The Clemson defense has time to plan for Joe Burrow and will find ways to limit his big-play ability. The final stats will be close, but Lawrence will out-gain the Heisman Trophy winner.

4. Defense Forces 2 Joe Burrow Interceptions

The Clemson defense faces a tough test in Joe Burrow.
The Clemson defense faces a tough test in Joe Burrow. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Clemson defense forced two Justin Fields interceptions after the quarterback had thrown one all season. Burrow has thrown six this year and if the defense was that great against someone who never turns it over, the group will find a way to make it happen again. Keep Isaiah Simmons' name in mind after his big interception against Ohio State.

3. Travis Etienne Gets 75 Rushing and Receiving Yards

Travis Etienne is seeking a big game against LSU.
Travis Etienne is seeking a big game against LSU. / Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Travis Etienne had three touchdowns against Ohio State on 13 total touches. He entered the night with 1,500 rushing yards but ended up making his biggest impact as a receiver. Against LSU he should be able to flash his big-play ability by finishing with at least 75 rushing and 75 receiving yards if he can get around 20 touches. He has the ability to make an impact at any given moment.

2. Trevor Lawrence is Game's Leading Rusher

Trevor Lawrence fired up Clemson fans with his running Saturday night.
Trevor Lawrence fired up Clemson fans with his running Saturday night. / Norm Hall/Getty Images

Lawerence finished the Fiesta Bowl with 107 rushing yards, bolstered by a 67-yard touchdown run in which he out-ran several OSU defenders. Etienne is in the backfield, but Lawrence will once again reach the 100-yard mark. Expect Dabo Swinney to get creative and put the QB in space to throw off LSU's stout rushing defense.

1. Clemson Leads 2nd-Half Comeback to Win

Dabo Swinney has been in the championship game before.
Dabo Swinney has been in the championship game before. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

LSU has shown signs of letting teams back into games in the second half. Alabama nearly finished off a huge comeback and Clemson appears to be a better overall team than the Crimson Tide. Any lead LSU jumps out to will be overcome by a Clemson team that never panicked when going down 16-0 against Ohio State. A comeback win will give Clemson its second straight title given their resilience and ability to keep games close no matter how badly they seem to be disadvantaged.