For two years and 29 games, Clemson football was undefeated. This Clemson football team is not used to losing. Nonetheless, LSU ended Clemson’s historic winning streak by beating them 42-25 in the National Championship Game.
As much as it hurts Clemson fans to admit, LSU deserved to win that game. The referees certainly did not help Clemson’s chances of winning by ejecting Clemson linebacker James Skalski for targeting late in the third quarter and calling offensive pass interference on Tee Higgins early in the fourth quarter, but they also are not the reason why Clemson lost.
LSU won simply because they played better in almost every aspect of the game. LSU had more first downs, total yards in passing and rushing, forced turnovers and time of possession. The only statistic that goes in Clemson’s favor is sacks and penalties.
Heisman winner and LSU quarterback, Joe Burrow, outshined Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Burrow threw for 463 yards and five touchdowns, earning him a 97.5 quarterback rating. Meanwhile, Lawrence fumbled the ball, only threw for 234 yards and no touchdowns, resulting in a 65.6 quarterback rating for him.
In his post-game press conference, Coach Dabo Swinney commented on Lawrence’s performance, saying, “We go over there and love on him when he throws touchdown passes. I want to love on him when he had a bad mistake too because his effort was tremendous.” Coach Swinney went on to say, “I know exactly how he’ll respond. He’ll get right back to work and we’re going to have a really, really good football team next year.” There is no doubt that Lawrence was one of the best quarterbacks in college football this past season, but with his work ethic and determination, he will be the best quarterback in college football next season and lead his Clemson Tigers to redemption.
Coach Dabo Swinney has created a winning culture that transformed Clemson’s football program. The Tigers have played in five straight playoffs and won two of the last four national championships. About half of the team had not even lost a college football game before their loss to LSU.
In his post-game press conference, Coach Swinney recognized the success, saying, “It’s been a long time since I have stood in front of a team with a loss.” The last time they lost was against Alabama in the 2018 Sugar Bowl. What was their response to that loss? A perfect 15-0 season, capping it off with a win against Alabama in the 2019 National Championship Game. Clemson has what it takes to bounce back next season, the same way they did in 2018 and win another National Championship in 2020.
It is no wonder why expert analysts have already ranked Clemson as the preseason No. 1 next season. Although Clemson will be missing Co-Offensive Coordinator Jeff Scott, Tee Higgins, Isaiah Simmons, AJ Terrell, Chase Brice and Xavier Kelly next season, they will be gaining the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. Bryan Bresee, Myles Murphy, Demonte Capehart and Tre Williams are going to play key roles on Clemson’s defense next season, while DJ Uiagalelei will most likely be the school’s next quarterback after Lawrence. Clemson football is in good hands. Spring ball starts in six short weeks, and Clemson fans will get a sneak peek into Clemson football’s new look in April in their annual spring game.
After the national championship, Coach Dabo Swinney told the press, “This was a bad moment, but even if we’d have won it and it was a great moment, it’s still just a moment. The true joy comes in the challenge of trying to go do it.” Luckily for Dabo and the rest of Tigertown, Clemson has a pretty good chance to “go do it” again next season.
