After falling down 13-0 to start the game, the Clemson Tigers roared back in a big way Saturday night. Led once again by Trevor Lawrence — 366 total yards and three touchdowns — Clemson defeated Ohio State 29-23 and advanced to the College Football Playoff Championship Game.
For the fourth time in the last five seasons, Clemson will head to the national title game; this year, however, the Tigers will meet up against LSU and Heisman Trophy quarterback Joe Burrow.
That game will take place on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 — with an 8 p.m. kickoff from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
LSU or Clemson will be:
-15-0
-with a win over the strongest Playoff field yet
-if it's LSU, the schedule strength will have been absurd
-if Clemson, they'll have won a road game to clinch itWhoever wins will have a perfectly legit Best Team Ever case
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) December 29, 2019
Before that, though, out in Arizona, Clemson had to prevail in a wild seesaw battle with Ohio State. Trevor Lawrence completed 18-of-33 passes for 259 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Lawrence also carried the ball 16 times for 107 yards — both of which are career highs — and a touchdown.
TREVOR. LAWRENCE. 🔥
67-YARD TOUCHDOWN RUN.#CFBPlayoff | #FiestaBowl pic.twitter.com/Ps4aD7dFza
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 29, 2019
That 67-yard touchdown scamper was certainly a highlight for Lawrence, who controlled things offensively for the Tigers, as usual. However, a few hours later, Lawrence did himself one better — connecting with star backfield mate Travis Etienne for a 34-yard catch-and-run, which proved to be the game-winner.
After a slow start, Etienne finished with 13 total touches and three touchdowns.
Trevor Lawrence jump pass? Trevor Lawrence jump pass.
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 29, 2019
Following the Etienne touchdown, Clemson added a two-point conversation — Lawrence to Tee Higgins, who returned to the game after a first-quarter injury. The Tigers clung to a six-point lead, 29-23, with 1:49 left in the game.
Ohio State moved the ball quickly down the field; Justin Fields and JK Dobbins took center stage as the Buckeyes raced into Tiger territory. The last-minute threat ended, however, when Field was intercepted by Nolan Turner in the end zone.
The play that sent Clemson to the Natty🏆
pic.twitter.com/n8VmsdgdGT— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 29, 2019