CFB Championship: LSU has huge edge in special teams over Clemson

The CFB Championship is set between Clemson and LSU Monday night. LSU has a huge edge in special teams and could be the difference.

I broke down the CFB Championship game between Clemson and LSU earlier this morning. I’m going with Clemson in the upset, but one phase of the game should be a major concern for Dabo Swinney.

It’s the special teams game and if you look at Bill Connelly’s SP+ advanced metrics LSU has a HUGE edge.

SP+ stats that were updated after each team’s conference championship games had LSU with the No. 8 ranked special teams in the country. Clemson checked in with the No. 103 ranked special teams in the country.

That’s a huge gap ladies and gentlemen. Both teams average about 42 yards per punt with LSU having the edge in the return game. LSU averages 12.32 yards per return with two punt returns for touchdown.

Clemson averages 5.97 yards per return with no touchdowns. When it comes to field goals LSU has a huge edge there too.

LSU has made 21 of 26 field goals compared to just 13 of 22 for Clemson.

I couldn’t find the average starting field position stat anywhere, but I’m curious as to what that is for both teams.

Clemson does hold a slight edge in kickoff return average and I’d definitely steer clear of kicking to Travis Ettienne.

Neither team has returned a kickoff for a touchdown, but LSU has blocked at least one punt/field goal on the season.

I think Clemson’s defense is a notch better than LSU’s, and I think Trevor Lawrence has more ways to beat LSU offensively and he is a threat passing and running.

I think it’s possible both teams will score in the 30’s or more, but if it comes down to having to kick a field goal or someone making a big play on special teams the edge definitely goes to LSU.