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Clemson Football: 3 keys to victory in 2020 national title vs. LSU

By Michael Hanich

Dabo Swinney and Trevor Lawrence, Clemson football (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dabo Swinney and Trevor Lawrence, Clemson football (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Aaron Crawford #92 of the North Carolina Tar Heels wraps up Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers during the second half of their game at Kenan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 21-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Aaron Crawford #92 of the North Carolina Tar Heels wraps up Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers during the second half of their game at Kenan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 21-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3. Jump out to early lead

The LSU Tigers having the top-ranked offense (564.4 total yards per game) and scoring offense gives them a big edge to this game. They can thank the 2019 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in Joe Burrow, who has thrown for 5,208 yards, 55 touchdowns, and only six interceptions on 371 completions (out of 478).

Due to their efficiency on the offensive side of the ball, LSU has not trailed often. They have only trailed five times in the season with the last coming in the 23-20 win the No. 9 Auburn Tigers. They have also never trailed for more than a touchdown.

This game will take every measure of focus and determination for the Clemson Tigers because of LSU’s high-power offense. Clemson has experienced turmoil throughout the season and therefore has acquired the mentality of playing with some pressure. The LSU Tigers allowed 21 points in the fourth quarter from a beaten-down No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide team that was given up touchdowns so easily.

This has not been a problem often for the Clemson Tigers as they held most of their opponents to low availability of coming back. Since the 21-20 victory at the North Carolina Tar Heels in Week 5, Clemson has won by at least 31 points against their opponents. The one exception was the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl matchup versus No. 2 Ohio State.

Clemson overcame a 16-0 deficit to beat Ohio State 29-23.

LSU didn’t find much need to fight against heavy competition in their semi-final 63-28 win over the No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners. Clemson can get in LSU’s head and make them challenge themselves, which is something they haven’t done much of.

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