5 Bold Predictions for LSU Against Clemson in the National Championship Game

The No. 1 LSU Tigers proved beyond a shadow of a doubt they deserved the No. 1 ranking, as they hung 63 points on Lincoln Riley and Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Ahead of a championship matchup against Trevor Lawrence and the unbeaten Clemson Tigers, LSU's offense is continuing to be historically efficient while the defense finally showed some teeth against Jalen Hurts and the Sooners. No one could have expected eight Joe Burrow touchdowns in the Peach Bowl, so the National Championship could get even more unpredictable.

5. LSU's Defense Picks Up 3 Sacks

K'Lavon Chaisson leads an LSU front seven that has lost a lot of talent to the pros over the last few years and has lacked the dominant pass rusher the Tigers usually can count on for a sack a game. However, the Tigers got after a quality Oklahoma offensive line, and Lawrence was under pressure on almost half of Clemson's snaps against Ohio State's terrific defense. Chaisson and the LSU defense should be in the backfield frequently against Clemson.

4. Grant Delpit and Derek Stingley Each Intercept Trevor Lawrence

Not only does LSU have the best quarterback in college football, but their defense is led by the best safety and underclassman cornerback in all of college football. Stingley has been clamping the best in the SEC, while Delpit is all but a lock to be picked in the first round. Lawrence is amazing, but he got away with some risky throws that could have been picked off. Stingley and Delpit will not allow those mistakes to go unpunished.

3. LSU Tallies Under 100 Yards Rushing

Chris Curry was a welcomed addition to the LSU backfield after Clyde Edwards-Helaire's injury, and his 16 carries for 89 yards was indicative of someone who should be a major contributor in the championship game, especially after JK Dobbins ran wild on Clemson. However, Brent Venables and his defense made some major adjustments in the second half, and Ohio State struggled to run the ball consistently. Expecting two standout games from a freshman, including one against Venables, is wishful thinking.

2. Joe Burrow Breaks Single-Season Record for Touchdown Passes by Throwing 4 More

Former Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan holds the record for touchdown passes in a season with 58. While Burrow will play two more games than Brennan, he's right behind him with 55 touchdowns. After throwing seven touchdowns against an Oklahoma pass defense that had made some giant leaps compared to last year, Burrow comes into this championship game with tons of momentum. Clemson's defense, while extremely talented, never looked dominant against Fields, so expect Burrow to eat.

1. LSU Wins by 2 Touchdowns

Save for a nail-biter against Auburn, LSU has scored at least 36 points in every game they've played in. Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, all of whom are stocked with future pro players, could barely hold a candle to the Tigers. Clemson is a fast, aggressive unit, but Ryan Day showed that if the offense is just as aggressive, you can knock Clemson off their game. If Burrow and his wide receivers connect on some big plays early, the Tigers could once again get in rhythm and take home college football's ultimate prize.