College Football Playoff 2019: 6 Bold Predictions
By Michael Luciano
The College Football Playoff is just weeks away from finally kicking off in earnest after months upon months of speculation, as Heisman winner Joe Burrow and LSU will take on Jalen Hurts and Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Following that, the two top QBs in the 2018 class will duke it out, as Trevor Lawrence and Clemson will face Justin Fields and Ohio State. These games have been a reliable source of chaos over the last few seasons, and four explosive offenses in this year's iteration should be no different.
6. Oklahoma Takes LSU to Overtime
Hurts and the Sooners have already been declared dead on arrival after barely sneaking into the playoffs following a sluggish end to the season, but this offense shouldn't be counted out. Hurts managed 50 touchdowns and a Heisman finalist nod under Lincoln Riley, and has willed the Sooners here after being shouldered with another subpar defense. Dave Aranda's group aren't world-beaters this year, and they could easily be cut apart by the Oklahoma offense, provided the Sooners can establish the run.
5. Clemson Puts up 35 Points Against Ohio State
Ohio State's defense might be a who's who of future pro starters, but that shouldn't be too much trouble for Trevor Lawrence, the best pro-style prospect in years, and the white-hot Clemson offense. After barely escaping North Carolina with a win, the Tigers have turned on the jets, and haven't been in a competitive game since in the weak ACC. Lawrence's numbers this year are even better in most aspects than last year's magical freshman season, which means that he and star running back Travis Etienne should come into this matchup with tons of momentum.
4. Ohio State Fails to Produce a Turnover
The Buckeyes lost one of their co-defensive coordinators when Jeff Hafley took the head coaching gig at Boston College. Hafley, who was also the team's secondary coach, was one of the key figures responsible for remaking this defense from the ground up, and losing him could impact the swarming unit as they play the best quarterbacks in the country. Jeff Okudah, Shaun Wade, and Damon Arnette will all play on Sundays, but they could struggle in their first game without Hafley on the sideline.
3. LSU Doesn't Crack 100 Yards Rushing in Any Playoff Game
LSU might be all about 2019 Heisman winner Joe Burrow, but slippery running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is as important as any skill position player in this offense. With Edwards-Helaire currently nursing a non-contact injury and both Clemson and Ohio State possessing two of the best defensive lines in the country, an injured Edwards-Helaire and freshman running back Tyrion Davis-Price could struggle to break off big runs.
2. Joe Burrow Scores Four Touchdowns in Every Game He Plays
The fact that Burrow completed 78% of his passes and broke almost every SEC passing record in the book is impressive enough, but his unrivaled consistency is what really stands out. Even on the road against what is basically an NFL defense in Alabama, Burrow managed to help LSU put up 46 points in a win. Ohio State, Clemson, and Oklahoma won't be any different for Burrow or passing game coordinator Joe Brady, and the Tigers should continue dominating through the air.
1. Ohio State Beats LSU in the Title Game
Buckeye fans had a right to be angry about the fact that they were snubbed despite absolutely pulverizing the Big Ten, and now Fields and Ohio State have a chance to prove the committee wrong. With Chase Young wreaking havoc on LSU's offensive line and struggling running game, while Fields and JK Dobbins continue to play exceptionally efficient football, Ohio State should lift their second College Football Playoff trophy in this decade.