CFB Championship: 3 reasons Clemson upsets LSU

By Kelvin Hunt | Jan 13, 2020

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: The College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy presented by Dr Pepper is seen prior to the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Better Defense

Both teams field excellent defenses, but Clemson is the better of the two teams. They come into the game allowing just 4.16 ypp and 11.5 ppg.

Clemson allows teams to convert on third downs 31 percent of the time and only allow 3.13 yards per rush on the season.

Most importantly, Clemson holds opposing offenses to only scoring touchdowns in the red zone just 35.71 percent of the time.

LSU comes into the game allowing 5.05 ypp and 21.6 ppg. They allow teams to convert on third downs 30.69 percent and allow 3.60 yards per rush.

When it comes to scoring in the red zone the LSU Tigers allow teams to score touchdowns 63.16 percent of the time.

Clemson is also better at putting teams behind the chains with more tackles for loss (111) and 42 sacks on the season. That’ll be key for Clemson to put LSU in obvious passing situations as the Crimson Tide offense converts third downs at a 50.89 percent clip.

LSU’s defense has 88 tackles for loss and 35 sacks on the season with Clemson allowing less tackles for loss.

LSU’s offense has put up ridiculous numbers all season, but they’ve yet to face a defense the caliber of Clemson.

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