3 Ways Clemson Can Blow it Against LSU in the National Championship Game

The day has finally arrived. The Clemson Tigers are facing off with the LSU Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship Monday night with glory on the line.

Clemson faced a tougher semifinal test in order to make it here, as they had to orchestrate a come-from-behind victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl to punch their ticket to New Orleans. Facing a seemingly unstoppable Bayou Bengals team, let's identify three ways the defending champs can jeopardize their own chances of going back-to-back.

3. Ignore the Run Game

Even if Clemson falls behind, they cannot abandon Travis Etienne and the run game. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Clemson can't forget what helped bring them to the big game in the first place: their relentless running attack game. Travis Etienne is one of the finest backs in the nation, and when the passing attack has had moments of struggle against Ohio State, he's ld the way in stepping up. Etienne accounted for a touchdown, while star QB Trevor Lawrence picked up 106 yards on the ground himself. If Joe Burrow and LSU gain an early lead, Clemson can't be deterred from running the ball. It's their biggest strength.

2. Another Slow Lawrence Start

Trevor Lawrence can't afford to have the kind of sluggish start he had in the Fiesta Bowl. / Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Out of the gate in the Fiesta Bowl, Trevor Lawrence and the Clemson offense was moving at a snail's pace. Their luck changed on a questionable targeting penalty on Buckeyes defensive back Shaun Wade, but up until then, the passing game was ineffectual and Lawrence couldn't hit his receivers. For Clemson to have any chance, their ace QB has to be spot on, and he needs to hit the ground running in the first quarter.

1. Given Burrow Time to Work

Clemson can't allow Joe Burrow to get hot. If they do, they're doomed. / Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

The Oklahoma Sooners (and plenty of other teams!) learned the hard way just how dangerous Joe Burrow can be. Burrow will torch you repeatedly even if you consider yourself to have a strong defense. Clemson's defensive unit is leaps and bounds better than OU's, but they can still be susceptible to an arm as accurate as Burrow's. Clemson must put pressure on the Heisman Trophy winner from the get-go; If not, they'll surely earn their first loss of the Lawrence era.