What stands out to Clemson’s Dabo Swinney about LSU, Joe Burrow
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney had yet to break down film of LSU when he spoke on a teleconference earlier this week to preview the national championship game. But Swinney didn’t need to really dig deep into the tape to know what kind of challenge LSU and quarterback Joe Burrow present.
Swinney watched LSU several times throughout the 2019 season as a casual viewer, including when the Tigers won at Alabama in November. He knows that Clemson will have its hands full when the two teams meet on Jan. 13 in New Orleans.
“I’ve had a chance to see them a few times this year, and they’ve just played flawless, really, all year long. Unbelievable what their quarterback has done, and just a complete football team in every sense of the word,” Swinney said. “Haven’t watched a play of tape yet... we’ll get at it (this week) and start putting a great plan together to give our guys a chance to go compete.”
Clemson has an incredible offense as well, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but for the first time this season you can make an argument that Clemson is at a disadvantage at the quarterback position as LSU’s Burrow won the Heisman this season.
The senior has completed nearly 78 percent of his passes for 5,208 yards, with 55 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2019. Burrow passed for seven touchdowns in the first half of the Peach Bowl as LSU went on to destroy Oklahoma 63-28. LSU led 49-14 at halftime.
“He’s just a very impressive young person. You can tell he’s just an inspirational type guy, great winner. He has great belief, and you can tell his team is highly motivated around him,” Swinney said. “He’s played in big games and just is very poised in those situations. Got a chance to see him the Alabama game in Tuscaloosa there, so watched that one, and just very, very impressive in how he’s competed all year long.”
Burrow has two of the best receivers in the country in Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Chase has 75 catches for 1,559 yards and 18 touchdowns, while Jefferson has 102 catches for 1,434 yards and 18 scores.
Chase won the Biletnikoff Award this season, but it was Jefferson who had 14 catches for 227 yards and four touchdowns against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff semifinal. The two are complete receivers in every sense, and seem to always get open. When they do, Burrow doesn’t miss them.
“They really just shred everybody, and it starts with (Burrow), and it’s not just his ability to throw the ball. He’s got great receivers, offensive line. He’s had a great run game sport and all that kind of stuff,” Swinney said. “But he’s made great plays with his legs, too. He can move. Just very confident, very accurate, and it’ll be a huge challenge, another great match-up, two great quarterbacks. So again, that’s the way a championship game ought to be.”
When is the CFP national championship game?
Who: Clemson vs. LSU
When: 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans
TV: ESPN
Betting line: LSU by 5.5
