Game: Clemson Tigers vs. LSU Tigers
Date & Time: Monday, January 13th, 2019, 8:00 (EST)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
The Line: LSU -5.5, O/U 69.5
TV Channel: ESPN
CFB Season Record: 59-36 – 62.1%
Clemson Tigers vs LSU Tigers Preview
It’s the battle of the last two remaining undefeated teams for the CFP National Championship between the LSU Tigers (14-0) and the Clemson Tigers (14-0).
In the semi-final match-ups, the LSU Tigers defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 63-28 in the Peach Bowl. LSU made Oklahoma look like they didn’t belong in the playoffs. This year’s Heisman, Joe Burrow proved why he not only deserved the Heisman but also proved why he deserved the hype surrounding him. Joe Burrow and the LSU offense broke many awards for a playoff game including passing yards and touchdowns in a half. Burrow threw for seven touchdowns and ran another one in for good measure. He also threw for 493 yards and would have thrown for more had the game been tighter.
While all the hype was on LSU’s historic offense, there were plenty of doubters when it came to LSU’s defense. Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts transferred from Alabama and fell just short to Burrow in the Heisman voting himself. The LSU defense shut Hurts down allowing 217 yards passing and 43 yards rushing on Hurts’ final night playing college football.
LSU’s pass rush was excellent against Hurts and allowed LSU to play a complete game in the semi-finals.
Clemson, on the other hand, has won 29 straight games dating back, well, 29 games ago. Clemson quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, a sophomore, has yet to lose a game in his collegiate career. Lawrence is now 25-0 in his career at Clemson. While he seems unbeatable, his opposition in Joe Burrow seems even more unbeatable.
We can’t forget that the Clemson Tigers are defending champions this season. The talk around college football has been on LSU and what they’ve accomplished because of how easy Clemson’s schedule was in the ACC. But they just defeated Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, in a game where many thought Ohio State was the better team. It’s pretty clear the Trevor Lawrence is a winner as he put together a very impressive game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
But now the questions aren’t about LSU’s defense. The questions are whether Clemson’s defense can do enough to stop the Heisman winner in Joe Burrow. The questions are if Clemson can stop the number one offense in the country with an average of 47.6 points per game. The questions are whether or not Clemson can stop the best receiving core in college football with Ja’Maar Chase and Justin Jefferson.
Clemson has the number one defense in the country as they only allow 264.7 total yards per game. Again, Clemson played in a weak ACC conference this season and those averages will absolutely spike up after this game.
Key players Damien Lewis, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Michael Divinity are all questionable but expected to play for LSU while Tee Higgins is questionable for Clemson but also expected to play.
LSU Tigers vs Clemson Tigers Key Stats
- Clemson Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.
- LSU Tigers are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
- Under is 3-0-1 in LSU Tigers last 4 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
LSU Tigers vs Clemson Tigers Betting Lines
- The spread favors the LSU Tigers (-5.5)
- The Over/Under is set at 69.5
- LSU sits at -220 on the moneyline
LSU Tigers vs Clemson Tigers Prediction
LSU has defeated six AP Top 10 teams this season while Clemson has defeated one. LSU time and time again proved that they belong at the top and deserve the crown. Clemson’s 29-game win streak has been due to the weak schedule Clemson has had to face.
Clemson is absolutely not overrated after their win against Ohio State but LSU has literally went through Top 10 teams all season, destroying one after the other with the most dynamic offense in school history. The LSU receivers will cause problems for Clemson as they have three outstanding wide-outs that could also be considered number 1 receivers elsewhere. And when you add in tight end Thaddeus Moss and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the passing game, LSU is impossible to stop. Clemson does not have three number one corners on the team.
Oh.. don’t forget… this game is going to be played in New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s the perfect send off for the perfect LSU Quarterback in Joe Burrow. The Saints can’t win a championship in New Orleans but LSU will.
