Tiger fans, it doesn’t get any bigger than this, the College Football National Championship. We’ve learned more about this team after every game, and this season has been a hell of a ride. Texas was the first test. The Tigers passed, but questions remained. Florida would provide the first legitimate defense they’d face, then LSU put 40+ on them. LSU went on to break an 8 game losing streak to Alabama, IN Alabama. Joe Heisman scored at will against Georgia in the SEC Championship, handing the Bulldogs their worst loss since they came to Baton Rouge in 2018. From there, the Tigers thoroughly embarrassed Oklahoma in a CFP semifinal game where they realistically could’ve scored 100 points if they wanted. After 14 games, we have one final test, the Clemson Tigers. Clemson, the defending champions, doesn’t have the resume LSU has, but they do have big game experience. They also have a talent laden roster with several NFL prospects. Can Clemson do what nobody else has been able to do? I don’t know. What I do know is they won’t be intimidated.

Clemson offense vs. LSU defense

QB Trevor Lawrence has been regarded as the best quarterback of the 2021 class since last year, and for good reason. He shredded Alabama for 347 yards and no picks as a TRUE freshman in the championship game last year. You could see the size, arm strength, and accuracy in his repertoire last year. This year he’s shown toughness that I didn’t know he had. Lawrence won’t back down, and he’ll be the best QB LSU has faced this year. To make things worse, he’s surrounded by NFL level skill players. Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross are both 6’4”, athletic, and prototypical outside WR’s that will make millions barring injury. In the slot they’ll have 5’10” Amari Rodgers, the son of Tennessee great Tee Martin. Rodgers is quick, shifty, and elusive after the catch. This will be the best receiving corps LSU has faced since Alabama, but their size will present different challenges. I’m encouraged by the success LSU had against Collin Johnson of Texas and Seth Williams of Auburn. Elite route runners have more success against LSU than big bodied receivers. I’m not saying Clemson’s receivers can’t run routes, but there are no Devonta Smiths on this roster. Up front, Clemson has a very talented offensive line, but Tyler Shelvin has been unblockable lately. DE Rashard Lawrence always seems to play his best in the biggest games. It’s imperative that our defensive line plays great to free up the linebackers, because if RB Travis Etienne gets past the second level of the defense he’s gone. LSU has faced some great backs, but none as explosive as the Jennings, LA native. LSU must stop Etienne AND Lawrence in the run game, and force Clemson to be one dimensional. Even with LSU’s defense trending in the right direction, I’ll still give Clemson a slight edge in this matchup.

LSU offense vs. Clemson defense

When it comes to LSU’s offense, I feel like I can only say so much, but at the same time I can’t say enough. This is easily the best QB and offense LSU has ever had. Who would ever think LSU would have the best QB, WR, and offensive line in the country, with a RB in Helaire that’s the perfect complement to this system with his ability to run, catch, and block. A healthy Helaire is icing on the cake. Clemson has a strong defense and proven defensive coordinator, but they lost THREE first round defensive linemen to the draft, so there is a drop off from last year. Their most versatile player is S/LB Isaiah Simmons, who we might see lined up at all three levels of the defense. He is a future 1st round pick that can cover, tackle, and rush the passer. Clemson has lengthy, talented corners in A.J. Terrell and Derion Kendrick, and their strength is at the back end of the defense. Expect LSU to attack the safeties and Simmons when he’s isolated in coverage. Please understand that I take the purple and gold glasses of when projecting results, and I respect Clemson’s defense, BUT…nobody has stopped LSU’s offense all year. They won’t be stopped now. The LSU offense gets the nod in this matchup, big.

Prediction:

Here we are again, in New Orleans for the national championship. The last time we were in this spot, the game left me with a feeling I’ve never felt before. Sad. Speechless. Numb. The program wouldn’t be the same over the next few years. We had 8 win seasons, QB’s we didn’t believe in, and absolutely no hope of beating Alabama. I’m fine with those years, because that’s what it took to get here. We’re here with the right coach, one of our own. Our coach hires good help and allows them to do their jobs. In 2014 LSU had a WR, James Wright, to get drafted without having a single catch his senior year. That shows how much respect scouts had for our talent. This year LSU had 2 receivers with over 1,000 yards. This is a new era of LSU football. Coach Orgeron has changed the perception of the program, and changed the hierarchy of the SEC in the process. Clemson is an outstanding team, but only the next test for LSU to pass on their way to greatness. It’s time. It’s time to exorcise the demons of 2012, and enter a new era of dominance! Set your DVR’s to record and enjoy this moment in history. LSU 45-21. Geaux Tigers! The real Tigers!!