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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Run Game

The game within the game. Who can run the ball most effectively? I’ve pointed out that Clemson has a higher average per rush offensively and their defense is allowing less yards per carry on average compared to LSU.

I’ve watched a lot of Clemson and I’m not sure there’s a better running back in the country than Travis Etienne. He’s averaging eight yards per carry with 18 rushing touchdowns on the season.

Etienne has a great blend of power and the speed to break off a long run to the house similar to Dalvin Cook in his FSU football days.

There’s also the ability of Trevor Lawrence to make a play here and there in the run game. In fact, I expect Trevor Lawrence to run the ball 15+ times against LSU. Dabo Swinney always runs his quarterback to death in must-win games. That should open things up and slow down LSU’s pass rush too.

I’m not sure LSU will be able to establish their run game well enough to attack consistently through the air.

Will Burrow have enough time to get accurate passes off against a Clemson defensive front that wreaks havoc in the backfield?

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