Ricky Dimon
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For the fourth time in the last five seasons, the Clemson Tigers will be playing in the National Championship. Making their College Football Playoff debut in 2019-20, the LSU Tigers have no such experience. That is not to say Clemson is expected to lift the trophy in New Orleans on Jan. 13. It is actually LSU that is a considerable favorite.
With the semifinals now in the rearview mirror, let’s take an early look at the CFP final odds.
Line: LSU -5.5
Since a midseason stretch in which it battled past both Auburn (23-20) and Alabama (45-41) before giving up 37 points to Ole Miss, LSU has been positively crushing people. Among the Bayou Bengals’ routs are 50-7 over Texas A&M, 37-10 over Georgia in the SEC Championship, and 63-28 over Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow is looking borderline unstoppable—and looking like a lock to go No. 1 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Of course, Clemson appears to be a whole different beast—even a clear upgrade from Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia. These Tigers have picked up the pace considerably since a relatively slow first five games on the schedule. That opening stretch included a 24-10 victory over Texas A&M and a major scare in the form of a 21-20 escape against North Carolina. Head coach Dabo Swinney’s crew rebounded to win its next eight contests all by at least 31 points. Facing Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, Clemson looked down and out early—but this team is a flat-out winner embodied by its winner of a QB (2020 Heisman Trophy candidate Trevor Lawrence). The Buckeyes were outscored 29-13 over the final three quarters en route to a 29-23 Clemson triumph.
There’s a reason why LSU is favored; but there’s also a reason why Clemson is getting “only” 5.5 points. Our free college football expert predictions will have you covered for the National Championship and all other remaining bowl games.
Total: 69.5
LSU flirted with going over the Peach Bowl total (75.5) by itself—and would have if either the game had been more competitive or if it had felt like running up the score. Even though 91 points ended up on the scoreboard in LSU vs. Oklahoma, the number is smaller for this title tilt. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out why. Another Big 12 defense ain’t walkin’ through that door in hopes of containing Burrow and company. Clemson’s ‘D’ is big and fast; and quite simply good.
In two games prior to the Peach, LSU surrendered 17 combined points to Texas A&M and Georgia. Like Clemson, this defense has plenty of talent. It just doesn’t always come together.
A lot of points are going to be scored in the Superdome. But 70? Only time will tell….
