Clemson’s 29-game winning streak ends in national championship loss to LSU
When Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence fumbled and LSU’s Derek Stingley recovered with 3:53 remaining in Monday night’s national championship game, reality began to set in for Clemson’s star quarterback — for the first time in his college career, he was going to lose a game.
Lawrence lowered his head and jogged to the sideline, where he was greeted by Dabo Swinney. Clemson’s head coach grabbed Lawrence with both hands and encouraged him, before quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter came over a couple of minutes later and did the same.
The confetti began to fall 3:53 later as a stunned Clemson team watched Joe Burrow and LSU sprint around the field to celebrate a 42-25 victory. The loss ended Clemson’s 29-game winning streak and Lawrence’s quest for an undefeated college career.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve stood in front of a team with a loss,” Swinney said. “Tonight was all about LSU. What an unbelievable game... Thought their quarterback was tremendous. Those receivers — man, they made some incredible plays. And that’s what you’ve got to do to win these type of games. You give them credit. I thought they played a heck of a game and deserved to win the game. They were definitely the better team tonight, for sure.”
Prior to Monday night, Clemson had an answer for every situation the past two years. The Tigers knocked a 14-0 Alabama team with an offense that appeared unstoppable to win last year’s national title and a 13-0 Ohio State squad led by two Heisman finalists in the Fiesta Bowl this season.
But Swinney, Lawrence and company finally met their match against LSU.
Burrow was tremendous, finishing with 463 passing yards and five touchdowns, without an interception, while Lawrence had a rare off night.
The sophomore completed only 18 of 37 passes for 234 yards and no touchdowns. It marked the first time since September of 2018 that he did not pass for a score.
“I feel like we had one of the best plans we’ve had all year and I just didn’t have a good night. I was just off a little bit, especially in the second half,” Lawrence said. “I missed a lot of throws and didn’t really give us a chance to get back in the game. We were in it. We were down three or so and we got the ball back and just went three-and-out. Just missed a lot of throws and i hate that. I wish I could get them back.”
Clemson (14-1) entered the game leading the nation in scoring defense, allowing 11.5 points per game, and had not allowed more than 23 points in a game all season. LSU (15-0) had 28 at halftime and didn’t slow down as Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase and Thaddeus Moss for two touchdowns each and also found Terrace Marshall for a score.
Chase was Burrow’s favorite target, finishing with nine catches for 221 yards and two touchdowns. LSU outgained Clemson in total yardage 628-394.
“This is what I wanted to do from the time I was 5 years old, was hoist this trophy, and bringing it back to Louisiana,” Burrow said, then caught himself. “I guess we’re in Louisiana, but staying in Louisiana, we weren’t going to let someone come in here and steal this from us in our home state.”
Even with Lawrence’s struggles, Clemson still had chances. Clemson jumped out to a 17-7 lead before Burrow led LSU on three consecutive touchdown drives for a 28-17 halftime lead.
LSU got the ball first to start the second half and went three-and-out. Clemson responded with a six-play, 50-yard touchdown drive to cut the deficit to 28-25 after the two-point conversion, but Clemson never scored again as LSU pulled away.
“It sucks,” Lawrence said. “I think the worst thing is you don’t get to go back and play with this group. So for me, that’s the worst thing. Just those seniors, especially the guys up front, some of the wideouts. We’re going to be fine. We’ll be back. But it just sucks not getting to finish the way you wanted to with those guys.”
How LSU and Clemson scored
1st quarter
CU — Trevor Lawrence 1 yd rush (Potter kick) 5-67, 2:05
LSU — Ja’Marr Chase 52 yd pass from Joe Burrow (York kick) 4-70, 1:36
2nd quarter
CU — BT Potter 52 yd field goal; 9-40, 3:37
CU — Tee Higgins 36 yd rush (Potter kick) 4-96, 1:32
LSU — Joe Burrow 3 yd rush (York kick) 5-75, 1:21
LSU — Ja’Marr Chass 14 yd pass from Joe Burrow (York kick) 6-87, 2:03
LSU — Thaddeus Moss 6 yd pass (York kick) 11-95, 3:28
3rd quarter
CU — Travis Etienne 3 yd rush (Conv. Lawrence to Rodgers)\u00096-50, 2:37
LSU — Thaddeus Moss 4 yd pass from Joe Burrow (York kick) 6-68, 2:26
4th quarter
LSU — Terrance Marshall 24 yd pass from Joe Burrow (York kick) 8-57, 3:42
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING—Clemson, Etienne 15-78, T.Lawrence 10-49, Higgins 1-36, Dixon 1-(minus 1), (Team) 1-(minus 2). LSU, Edwards-Helaire 16-110, Burrow 14-58, (Team) 2-(minus 3).
PASSING—Clemson, T.Lawrence 18-37-0-234. LSU, Burrow 31-49-0-463.
RECEIVING—Clemson, Ross 5-76, Etienne 5-36, Higgins 3-52, Galloway 2-60, Rodgers 2-8, Dixon 1-2. LSU, J.Chase 9-221, Jefferson 9-106, Edwards-Helaire 5-54, Moss 5-36, Marshall 3-46.
MISSED FIELD GOALS—LSU, York 45.
This story was originally published January 14, 2020 at 12:13 AM.
