For the first time in school history No. 1 ranked LSU is
14-0, with that the Tigers are seeking their fourth national title, and the
chance to be just the second team in FBS history to go 15-0. LSU won national
titles in 1958, 2003, and 2007.
Another first, this year’s LSU offense was the first ever in
college football history to feature a 5,000 yard passer (Joe Burrow 5,208
yards), a 1,000 yard rusher (Clyde Edwards-Helaire 1,304) and two 1,000 yard
receivers (Ja’Marr Chase 1,559 and Justin Jefferson 1,434). Both Chase and
Jefferson are tied currently for the SEC single season touchdown record with
18. Tight end Thaddeus Moss also holds the single-season record for receptions
(42) and receiving yards (534) by a tight end at LSU.
Six of the Tiger’s 14 wins have come against teams ranked in
the Top 10. LSU’s matchup against Clemson will represent its seventh Top 10
opponent, the most by team in college football history. Yet another record LSU
has broken this season.
This will be just the fourth meeting between the two
historic teams, with LSU holding a 2-1 advantage in the series. Interestingly
enough, these two Tiger teams have never once met in the regular season. Every
matchup has come during post season play. The last of which was the 2012
Chick-Fil-A Bowl with Clemson winning, 25-24. Previous meetings include the 1959
Sugar Bowl, which LSU won 7-0, and the 1996 Peach Bowl which LSU also won 10-7.
LSU’s current win streak of 15 games dating back to last
season, ties the record for second longest winning streak in school history. The
Tigers last win against No. 4 Oklahoma set numerous school, SEC, NCAA, and Bowl
records.
LSU is currently ranked No. 1 in total offense with 564.1
yards per game. Throughout the season, the Tigers have eclipsed the 500-yard
mark 11 times, four times going over 600 yards and having an incredible
700-yard game.
LSU is also ranked No. 1 in scoring offense (48.9) and red
zone offense (68-of-70). The Tigers have scored 40 or more points a school
record 11 times, including five 50 point games and three 60 point games.
Defensively, the Tigers have been coming into their own as
of late. LSU held its last three opponents to a combined 45 points and 230
rushing yards. Two of those opponents were Top 5 ranked teams. Something to remember,
the Tigers have only trailed five times all season, and never by more than a
touchdown. The last time LSU trailed in a game this season, was in the third
quarter against Auburn on October 26.
Jacob Phillips led the team this year in tackles with 105;
OLB K’Lavon Chaisson was first in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (13.5). True
freshman and All American Derek Stingley Jr. led the SEC in interceptions with
six and passes broken up (21).
LSU will take on Clemson for the National Championship on
Monday, January 13th at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on ESPN