Tag: lsu clemson

How the UGA Wire staff picked the national championship

Looking back at our staff’s picks for the big game between Clemson and LSU

Well, the confetti has fallen and the cigars have been smoked. LSU is the champion of the college football world.

After a number of interesting back and forth drives, Joe Burrow and the Tigers of Baton Rouge were able to exploit Brent Venables’ defense, scoring three second half touchdowns.

You know what happened. You’ve seen the videos, the postgame analysis, the recaps. But… what about our picks?

Let’s take a look back at how the UGA Wire staff predicted the game to go. Yes, I’ll go ahead and tag Old Takes Exposed on my own pick.

James Morgan-  Clemson’s defense gets some red zone stops, but Joe Burrow extends plays and LSU’s secondary slows down Clemson’s receivers.

Prediction: 37-31 LSU

 

Joe Vitale- I don’t care how good Clemson is, Joe Burrow and LSU are in a league of their own.

Prediction: 31-27 LSU

 

Henry Sillen- Coach O’s fire will have his Tigers more pumped up than Dabo’s and Burrow has had more quality wins than Lawrence all year.  Burrow hands Lawrence the first L of his career tonight.

Prediction: 45-31 LSU

 

Garrett Shearman- Joe Burrow is the most clearcut number-one-pick-in-the-draft quarterback I’ve seen since Andrew Luck (sorry Murray, Mayfield, Goff and Winston). I think Trevor Lawrence is going to be that caliber QB by the time he’s draft eligible, and he certainly has very talented receivers around him, but LSU’s offense has put up otherworldly numbers against great defenses all year behind easily the best quarterback and the best wide receiving corps in the country. 

“Go Tigahs.” 

             -Edward James Orgeron, Jr.

Prediction: 45-38 LSU

 

Jackson Stone- Clemson will be the best defense that LSU has faced but the Bayou Bengals will have just enough firepower to win a thriller of a game late.

Prediction: LSU 35-31

 

Jackson Fryburger- I really liked LSU in this game ever since the matchup came out, but started to lean Clemson of late. If Swinney’s Tigers can limit the passing game for LSU and keep it close, I like their experience and slim coaching advantage to prevail. However, LSU has the capability to blow this one open with a performance like it had against Oklahoma. The key to this one will be Clemson’s ability to stop Burrow through the air. Sure, the Heisman winner is going to score, but just how often in the passing game? Clemson is just behind LSU in statistics offensively, but much more sound on paper defensively. Though Orgeron’s Tigers have played well on defense down the stretch, I have to lean Clemson here. Give me the reigning national champs in a tight one, though I could easily see LSU wearing them down through the air.

Prediction: Clemson 38, LSU 34

 

Staff Record:

ATS: 3-3

S/U: 5-1

8 draft prospects for Rams fans to watch in CFP National Championship

The Rams should have an eye on these eight prospects in the national championship game between LSU and Clemson.

The Los Angeles Rams are once again without a first-round pick in the draft, but they should have a close eye on the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night. Both LSU and Clemson are stockpiled with NFL prospects, and not just ones set to go in the first 32 picks, either.

Here are eight names for Rams fans to watch in the title game tonight, beginning with the LSU Tigers.

LSU

LSU DL Rashard Lawrence

Lawrence is a versatile defensive lineman who can play multiple spots up front. The Rams may not bring back Michael Brockers, which would leave a hole at defensive end. Lawrence probably fits better as a 1- or 3-technique, but his versatility would give the Rams options. What he lacks is length, though, which is important for a defensive end in a 3-4 front.

LSU LB Michael Divinity Jr.

Divinity can play off the ball or rush the passer off the edge, though he probably fits better as the latter at the next level. The Rams need edge rushers with Dante Fowler Jr. hitting free agency, and if Divinity can be had late on Day 2 or on Day 3, he’d be a worthwhile addition to the defense. Keep an eye on him Monday night, particularly his pass-rush technique opposite K’Lavon Chaisson.

LSU OL Lloyd Cushenberry

Cushenberry plays center, but he’d be able to play any of the interior spots in the NFL. That’s exactly where the Rams could use some help with plenty to be determined at those spots in 2020. He’s not a polished prospect, but Cushenberry has potential as an NFL lineman at either guard or center.

LSU EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

Chaisson is as athletic as pass rushers come, but just as Danielle Hunter was somewhat raw coming out of LSU, so is Chaisson. That won’t preclude a team from taking him in the first or second round, and the Rams could have some interest on Day 2. Chaisson may not rack up the sacks tonight, but watch how often he gets near Trevor Lawrence.

LSU LT Saahdiq Charles

Charles will be viewed as one of the top tackle prospects in the draft this year, but he could be available in the second round for the Rams. As a potential replacement for Andrew Whitworth, Charles fits well. Though not as big as Whitworth, he’s a good athlete who can move on outside runs.

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