New Orleans Saints players like Michael Thomas wished Joe Burrow and the LSU Tigers good luck against Clemson in the national title game.
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The LSU Tigers are just an hour away from squaring up against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, and New Orleans Saints players are overwhelmingly pulling for the home team. That probably isn’t much of a surprise given the scarcity of ex-Clemson players on the Saints’ roster (linebacker Stephone Anthony is the only one to come to mind) and the close relationship between the two programs, with the Saints having opened up their team practice facility to the visiting LSU squad over the weekend.
Still, endorsements and well-wishes were flying in from all corners on Monday, with everyone from wide receiver Michael Thomas to ex-Florida Gators linebacker Alex Anzalone throwing their support behind LSU. Here’s the best tweets from Saints players as we inch closer to kickoff:
Louisiana needs a championship. And I’m excited to witness my boy @Joe_Burrow10 bring them one. One of the greatest motivational stories in sports for young athletes you have to respect it!
The Saints have many top 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch when LSU kicks off against Clemson in the CFB Playoff National Championship game.
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We’re hours away from the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Clemson Tigers, and as luck would have it, the game will be played in the New Orleans Saints’ home stadium — the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
That presents a great opportunity for Saints shot-callers like coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis, and scouting director Jeff Ireland to see some of the 2020 NFL Draft’s best prospects perform live in such a high-pressure situation. That doesn’t mean the Saints will draft anyone who plays in this game; but it does give these soon-to-be rookies a shot at making a memorable first impression.
Here are four matchups we’ll be watching closely:
When LSU has the ball
WR Justin Jefferson vs. CB A.J. Terrell
Jefferson went off against Oklahoma in the semifinals, posting 227 yards and catching four touchdown passes, but he’ll face a serious challenge in Terrell. According to Pro Football Focus charting, Terrell hasn’t allowed more than 60 yards in a game all season, and has surrendered just 14 completed passes into his coverage. That’s a natural collision point where both teams will be trying to compete with strength versus strength.
Either of these players would be huge additions for the Saints, but Jefferson’s success in a similar scheme has to be enticing. He excels at finding the open spaces within zone coverage, just like past Saints success stories like Marques Colston and Willie Snead once did. But Jefferson has better size and agility, and more upside, than any of those other potential predecessors.
TE Thaddeus Moss vs. LB/S Isaiah Simmons
Moss is an enthusiastic blocker and a fearless pass-catcher, even if he’s been more of an afterthought in the passing game than a featured piece (his 42 receptions rank fifth-most). Jared Cook is entering the final season of his two-year Saints contract, and the Saints struggled to adjust when blocking tight end Josh Hill missed time with a concussion. It’s easy to see Moss taking a year to learn the ropes as the third tight end before the Saints unleash him the next season, though he still has a year of college eligibility left as a redshirt junior.
Simmons would give the Saints rare versatility in the back seven, especially if paired with C.J. Gardner-Johnson. PFF graded him well at every position he played (which ranged from weakside linebacker to strong and free safety), so it’s easy to see the Saints disguising their coverage by trotting out Simmons alongside the equally-versatile Gardner-Johnson. However, with multiple starting linebackers returning from injuries (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso), it might be easier to slot Simmons in as a day-one starter at the second level.
When Clemson has the ball
WR Tee Higgins vs. CB Kristian Fulton
Higgins has steadily improved at the college level from one year to the next, and now he’s seen as one of the best route runners in the country. He’s also one of the best at catching the ball when it’s sent his way, even when covered tightly by opposing defensive backs. Fulton will challenge him more than anyone else he’s faced, however, as there are few cornerbacks better in press coverage. But Higgins doesn’t need much space to break a tackle and take off at a sprint after the catch.
Just like with the matchup between Jefferson and Terrell, the Saints are short-handed at both wide receiver and cornerback going into 2020. Michael Thomas turned in a one-man show in the passing game and could benefit from some real help. The only cornerbacks the Saints have under contract next season are Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins, and Patrick Robinson.
RB Travis Etienne vs. S Grant Delpit
Delpit has a great reputation as one of the country’s best safeties — as seen by him winning the Jim Thorpe Award — and there aren’t many players who can run with him in pass coverage. But there’s a serious flaw in his game as a tackler, with PFF crediting him a sky-high 27% whiff rate on tackle attempts. Etienne will punish him and the rest of the LSU defense should Delpit slip and miss when he has a chance to bring the runner down; Etienne led FBS in both yards gained after contact per attempt (5.2) and tackles broken per attempt (.45).
Every team can use more defensive backs, but the Saints secondary is in a tough spot with starting strong safety Vonn Bell headed for free agency. Delpit could be a good replacement if he’s available at their draft slot. Also, Alvin Kamara has just one year left on his contract, and he turned in a disappointing performance last season. Etienne looks like a natural fit should the Saints plan to move on.
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome has been prepared for the College Football National Championship Game between the LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers.
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A major football game will kick off at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Monday night, but it won’t feature the New Orleans Saints. Instead, the LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers will kick off the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in front of a raucous home crowd, and the Superdome has been decorated for the occasion.
The first look at the dressed-up Superdome comes from Nola.com director of photography David Grunfeld, who shared a photo from the LSU end zone to his official Twitter account. The Superdome is covered in LSU purple and Clemson orange, with College Football Playoff logos on just about every surface. See it for yourself:
This game is kind of poignant — it will be the last kickoff in the Superdome before major renovations sweep through the building this offseason, with further updates and construction planned for next year, too. It’s all part of a larger agenda to maintain pace with other top-tier venues around the country, which will allow New Orleans to continue hosting major events like college football bowl games and playoff championships, Super Bowls (the next NFL title game will be played in New Orleans in 2024), Wrestlemania, Monsterjam, landmark music concerts, and of course, Saints home games. The Superdome will look different the next time Saints fans crowd its halls.
Previewing Monday’s National Championship between the Clemson Tigers and LSU Tigers, with college football betting odds, picks and prop bets
The National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and LSU Tigers kicks off Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and that means it’s time to explore the wide range of prop bets. Given the magnitude of this game, there are hundreds of prop bets available for this contest, and we will give you five of our favorite plays for Monday night.
On Monday night, we will see the nation’s top-ranked offense against the top-ranked defense. While there is no doubt LSU QB Joe Burrow will be able to move the ball, Clemson’s defense is excellent in the red zone. I wouldn’t be surprised if LSU moves the ball up and down the field on Clemson, but has to settle for a Cade York field goal (21-26 this season) on its opening drive. At +300, this is insane value for a very likely outcome.
Shortest Touchdown: Under 1.5 yards (-125)
(Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons – USA TODAY Sports)
Despite Clemson having the nation’s top-ranked defense, you can expect there will be a ton of points scored in this game. The Over/Under is at 67.5, which would indicate there are going to be several touchdowns scored. Don’t be surprised if a few happen from just one-yard out. While the odds aren’t great (-125), it’s a fairly safe bet.
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet atBetMGM.
First to 20 points: LSU (-182)
(Photo Credit: Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports)
One thing LSU has done much better than Clemson this season is get off to fast starts. LSU’s offensive coordinator Joe Brady is one of the nation’s best at scripting the opening drive of the game. I fully expect LSU to put up 20 points by halftime before Clemson is able to get in a groove. Take LSU at -182 to be the first team to score 20 points Monday night.
Will either team score 3 unanswered times: No (+175)
With both teams having excellent offenses, it seems unlikely this game will have three-straight unanswered scores. Each side has a top-level quarterback and elite weapons, which means this game could turn into a shootout. But for this bet to hit, one offense would need to go cold or would need a few turnovers. That just doesn’t seem likely considering how dominant both of these offenses have been this season. While it’s never fun to root for this bet, it’s a good value play at +175.
Will there be a score in the final two minutes of the 1st half: No (+220)
Much like the previous bet, rooting for no scores in the final two minutes of the first half is never a “fun” bet. However, there is just too much value to ignore here at +220. It’s hard to bet against Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence and Burrow here, but the value is just too good.
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Gavino Borquez lays out nine potential Los Angeles Chargers fans should watch during the College Football Playoff National Championship.
All eyes will be glued to the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game, where the LSU Tigers take on the Clemson Tigers on Monday night.
While many will be watching it for entertainment purposes, there will be plenty of NFL caliber talent on the field that are worth keeping an eye out for.
With that, here are nine players that the Los Angeles Chargers could be scouting tonight:
Norm Hall/Getty Images
LB/S Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (#11)
Simmons possesses the traits that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would drool over. His size and speed give him incredible play-making potential. Simmons’ ability to play up in the box, back deep in coverage, or work out of the slot in man coverage make him a versatile Day 1 starter that would make out to be one of the most deadly tandems in the league between him and safety Derwin James.
WR Tee Higgins, Clemson (#5)
The Chargers will be in the market for a WR3 this offseason. Should they look to address the position early on, Higgins is a player that could be available in Round 2. Higgins, the 6-foot-3 and 205 pound wideout, is a physically imposing individual with long arms and great length, which enables him to excel in 50-50 balls.
WR Justin Jefferson, LSU (#2)
Jefferson isn’t going to win with pure speed, but he will with his good understanding of his body and how to play to his strengths to get open. He can win off the line of scrimmage with detailed movements at the line of scrimmage, can make tough catches, is a good outlet given his catch radius and hand strength when reeling in the ball, and can break tackles after the catch.
CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson (#8)
The Chargers will likely be looking for a cornerback to compliment Casey Hayward on the outside this offseason. Terrell, the 6-foot-1 and 192 pound corner, has a great blend of height and length for the position. He has top-notch long speed to stay on the hip of opposing wide receivers, while showing great eye discipline to stay intact with the quarterback and the route. Once the ball is thrown, he disrupts passing lanes using his long arms, making life tough on receivers.
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU (#22)
Depending on what happens with Melvin Gordon, the Chargers could be looking to round out the backfield. As a runner, Edwards-Helaire has good patience, balance and lateral explosion and burst. A powerful, downhill back with some wiggle to slip through tackles, Edwards-Helaire constantly keeps his legs churning upon contact and can push the pile for additional yardage. He also offers some value as a pass-catcher, showing reliable hands and refined routes out of the backfield.
OG John Simpson, Clemson (#74)
The interior part of the offensive line needs an upgrade this offseason, and Simpson would be a great addition. Simpson, the 6-foot-4 and 336 pound guard, possesses the competitiveness and character that the Chargers would covet. The former high school state wrestler has extremely strong hands and does whatever it takes to finish his blocks as a run blocker. He has a really powerful anchor and sound technique in pass protection.
LB Patrick Queen, LSU (#8)
The Chargers found a gem in Drue Tranquill in last year’s draft. Should they look to find another one and round out the linebacker room, Queen should be in consideration. He possesses good change of direction, sideline-to-sideline ability, short area burst, lateral agility, and reactive athleticism to make plays against the run. In a pass-happy league, Queen is a solid coverage defender where he’s smooth in his backpedal and can close passing windows efficiently.
DT Rashard Lawrence, LSU (#90)
The Chargers will be looking to add more beef up front, especially with Brandon Mebane’s tenure close to coming to an end. Lawrence is a disruptive, upfield player that can penetrate and use his active hands to get into the backfield to make plays. As a run defender, he’s a laterally quick player that can beat blockers to the gap or slide down the line to make plays. His effort and intensity can’t be questioned.
OT Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson (#73)
The Chargers will seeking to solidify the offensive line from the early rounds to the mid-late rounds. Anchrum, the 6-foot-2 and 312 pound, would fall under the mid-late round category, but he is a solid player who can offer position versatility. Anchrum projects well outside or inside at the next level based on his frame, aggression, athleticism, and finishing ability. Despite his length and size, he moves well in open space to fend off pass-rushers.
We’ve done it all year, so we’re finishing off with our staff predictions for the big one Monday night between LSU and Clemson.
Yeah, yeah, we’re not an LSU or Clemson fan site. But hey, there’s a big one Monday night and we love football. So even if it’s being played in Alaska in a deep freeze in January we’re game. The national championship game is set to go unhinged in New Orleans Monday night and we’ll be watching and we’re sure you will be too. Unless that is, you’re still being triggered from what happened in the desert on December 28.
And really, who could blame you.
So, like we did during the season with all of the Ohio State contests, we’re opening it up to our contributors to provide their predictions for the national championship game between two dueling Tigers.
Can the Clemson Tigers slow down Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow?
Undefeated powerhouses LSU and Clemson will meet on Monday night in New Orleans for what should be an epic end to the college football season.
After dominating the SEC in 2019, Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and the No. 1 LSU Tigers will get to play a de facto home game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, earning a spot in the final by destroying No. 4 Oklahoma in a record-setting blowout. No. 3 Clemson, meanwhile, edged past No. 2 Ohio State in a thriller that featured a few controversial calls. LSU is favored to win, but Dabo Swinney’s team has a history of thriving as an underdog. So, what time should you tune in?
LSU vs. Clemson will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
A special pregame edition of College GameDay will begin at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. You can live stream the game via Watch ESPN.
LSU Tigers QB Joe Burrow caught up with New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
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The New Orleans Saints opened the doors at their team practice facility to the visiting LSU Tigers ahead of Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game with the Clemson Tigers, and it allowed some big names in the football world to interact for the first time. The most notable meeting of the minds featured Saints quarterback Drew Brees shaking hands and exchanging words with his LSU counterpart Joe Burrow.
Burrow, the Heisman Trophy-winning leader of maybe the best team in school history, was a little starstruck.
“I know you hear this a lot,” Burrow told Brees, “but growing up looking up to you, you’re the reason I’m a Saints fan.”
It’s a nice sentiment to share. After LSU’s walkthrough session on Sunday, Brees and Burrow caught up with each other again — this time to swap jerseys. Brees also introduced Burrow and LSU coach Ed Orgeron to his three rowdy sons, each of them wearing Tigers jerseys of their own.
Now that’s great synergy. You can tune into the national title game on ESPN at 7 p.m. CT on Monday, Jan. 13. It’s clear that Brees and the Saints will be pulling hard for their Tigers.
Cameron Jordan and the New Orleans Saints welcomed Ed Orgeron and the National Championship-bound LSU Tigers to their team practice facility
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For at least one day, LSU Tigers quarterback No. 9 practiced in the building where New Orleans Saints quarterback No. 9 honed his craft. Now, there’s no way Joe Burrow will take the reins from Drew Brees — but it’s still cool to see him and his LSU teammates sharing space with the Saints at the team practice facility in Metairie, La.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron brought his team to New Orleans ahead of Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers, which will be held in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. LSU is expected to draw strong crowd support by playing so deep in their home territory, which prompted Clemson coach Dabo Swinney to liken the game to traveling to another country.
Anyway, back to the Saints connection: players like Cameron Jordan and his family joined Thomas Morstead and general manager Mickey Loomis at the team practice facility when the LSU Tigers were in town, while backup guard Will Clapp caught up with Orgeron, his former coach. It’s kind of fascinating to see Jordan, someone some Saints fans may take for granted, be surrounded by star-struck college players insisting he’s someone they want to be like someday. See it all for yourself:
Clemson beat North Carolina on the road for the first time ever on Saturday.
The Clemson Tigers came to Chapel Hill on Saturday knowing they had arguably the best chance in program history to win inside the Dean Smith Center, with the injury-plagued North Carolina Tar Heels struggling mightily early in the season.
Clemson had never won a road game at North Carolina in 59 previous meetings, but thanks to the heroics of junior forward Aamir Simms, who forced overtime with a clutch last-second three in regulation, the Tigers pulled off a historic upset.
Clemson trailed by 10 points at halftime, and the Tar Heels remained in control of the game for the majority of the second half. North Carolina led by 10, 68-58, with two minutes remaining in the game – but Simms ended the game on a personal 9-2 run. With the clock running and the Tigers down three points, Roy Williams elected not to foul and deny a three-point opportunity, and Simms buried a game-tying shot with three seconds remaining. In overtime, Simms hit a driving shot with 18 seconds left to put the Tigers up by three, and the Tar Heels were unable to answer.
Big time bucket by Sims!! #Clemson is up 3 on #UNC with 18 seconds left in O.T! Clemson is seeking first win all time in Chapel Hill! pic.twitter.com/JSA9ZEAUuz
The streak is over! Clemson gets its 1st-ever win at North Carolina.
The Tigers had been 0-59 all-time in Chapel Hill, the longest road losing streak by one team vs another in Division I history (series began in 1926). pic.twitter.com/y5V1L8wGBa
