CFP National Championship Spread Pick – #3 Clemson Tigers vs #1 LSU Tigers
Can LSU Penetrate Clemson Defense?
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This Clemson vs LSU pick offers LSU at -5.5. Our Clemson vs LSU prediction sees this game as being a battle between two worthy opponents. Both teams belong here. Note, the Clemson Tigers (14-0) and LSU Tigers (14-0) each won their conferences. Clemson took down #23 Virginia 62-17 to take the ACC title. LSU won the SEC crown by beating #4 Georgia 37-10. In the CFP Semifinals, the ACC Tigers beat #2 Ohio State 29-23, while the SEC Tigers took apart #4 Oklahoma 63-28. The CFP National Championship game will kick off at 8 pm ET on Monday, January 13, 2020. It will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Clemson vs LSU Pick – Stats
Clemson has put up 538.4 YPG in offense. LSU has been generating 564.1 offensive YPG. LSU’s points per game come to 48.9 per game, while Clemson’s points have averaged 45.3 PG. LSU has been good for 397.2 passing YPG and 166.9 rushing YPG. On the other hand, Clemson has a dominant ground game, averaging 246.1 YPG. At the same time, their air attack is averaging 292.2 YPG. That’s not shabby.
The Clemson Tigers are definitely the tougher defensive team. They’re allowing just 10.6 PPG. Contrasted to that is LSU’s points allowed, which come to 21.2 PPG. LSU is allowing opponents almost 100 more YPG. The SEC’s Tigers are permitting teams 341.3 YPG. Conversely, the ACC’s Tigers are allowing just 244.7 YPG. Clemson’s pass defense is giving up only 138.5 YPG and just 106.2 ground YPG. LSU is holding clubs to 119.6 ground YPG and 221.7 air YPG. Note, those LSU numbers are respectable.
ACC Tigers and SEC Tigers – Players
Both teams come to this contest with explosive offenses. The Clemson defense is deep and skilled. The numbers for the LSU D are less impressive. Still, they’ve got some fine players on defense.
Clemson Tigers
Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, a sophomore, is solid. He’s thrown just eight picks while completing 67.6% of his passes. Lawrence has thrown 36 TD passes. He’s been sacked 15 times. Lawrence has also rushed for 514 yards and eight TDs while averaging 5.5 YPA. The Clemson rush attack includes Travis Etienne. Etienne ‘s run for 1,536 yards and 18 scores while averaging 8.0 YPA. RB Lyn-J Dixon has added 636 yards and six scores, averaging 6.2 YPA. The receiving group is anchored by Tee Higgins. Higgins has 1,115 receiving yards and 13 scores on 56 receptions. However, Higgins is listed as questionable. Still, players like wideout Justyn Ross, who’s made 61 catches and scored eight times while covering 789 yards, are ready to go.
Defense
The Clemson D has recorded 41 sacks, 19 INTs, and 50 PD. They have forced and recovered eight fumbles. Clemson has scored twice on picks. LB Isaiah Simmons is a major defensive force, leading the team in tackles, with 61-solo and 97-total, and six sacks. Plus, he’s grabbed three picks, defended six passes, and forced and recovered a fumble. Safety Tanner Muse has four INTs, while safety K’Von Wallace has defended 10 passes.
LSU Tigers
LSU senior QB Joe Burrow is tough to stop. He’s completing 77.6% of his passes. Burrow has passed for 5,208 yards and 55 TDs. However, despite all of that activity, Burrow has thrown just six picks. He has been sacked 29 times. WRs Ja’Mar Chase, who has 75 catches, and Justin Jefferson, who has 102 receptions, have 18 TD catches apiece. Plus, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., who has a dozen TD catches, is a threat. He’s listed as probable. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire has 199 rushing attempts and 1,304 yards for 16 scores. Also, he’s made 50 catches for 399 yards and one TD.
Defense
Our Clemson vs LSU pick notes that the SEC’s Tigers have recorded 35 sacks, 17 interceptions, and five forced fumbles while recovering three. They’ve also posted 76 PD. Their sound secondary is anchored by corner Kary Vincent Jr. Vincent has grabbed four picks and defended nine passes. LB K’Lavon Chaisson tops the team with 6.5 sacks, while LB Jacob Phillips leads LSU with 51-solo and 105-total tackles.
CFP National Championship Spread Projection
One of the big questions concerning this game is can Clemson stop Burrows? Another major consideration is LSU’s defense. Are they capable of controlling Clemson’s output on offense? We can see this battle going back and forth. However, in the end, we expect LSU to win. But the big question is by how much? We’re going with seven points.
Our Clemson vs LSU Pick
Our Clemson vs LSU pick regarding the spread is the Tigers of LSU at -5.5. We think they’ll break out at some point in the second half. Also, for your consideration, we have our Clemson vs LSU over/under pick right here.
Summary #4 Clemson Tigers vs #1 LSU Tigers Prediction