Clemson Football: 3 Bold Predictions for Tigers in Sugar Bowl

1. Trevor Lawrence Will Have a Huge Semi-Finals Performance

The key player of the 2021 Allstate Sugar Bowl will be Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He is the heart and soul of the Tigers’ offense, which is ranked third in the nation in points per game (44.9). While many opposing defenses have tried to suppress the rushing game and star senior running back Travis Etienne, the Tigers have adapted well with their passing game. Their passing offense ranks sixth in the nation in passing yards per game (332.5).

In nine games this season, Lawrence has thrown for 2,753 yards, 22 touchdowns, only four interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 172.7 on 198 completions (out of 286 passing attempts). Lawrence has also rushed for 211 yards and seven touchdowns on 58 rushing attempts. The Heisman Trophy Finalist has had five games where he threw for over 300 yards and four games where he passed for more than two touchdowns.

Last season in the 2019 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Buckeyes, Lawrence threw for 259 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions on a 54.5 completion percentage (18-of-33), which was the lowest of the season at that time. He also rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Lawrence was pressured multiple times and tormented by the Buckeyes defense through hard hits. This was a game where Lawrence showed his grit and toughness.

Lawrence looks to get revenge against a Buckeyes’ defense that is ranked 100th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (244.2). The Tigers will have to create a dominating passing performance against the Buckeyes without offensive coordinator Tony Elliot, who is out because of COVID-19 protocols.