On January 13, LSU and Clemson matched up for the national championship. This was their first matchup since the 2012 Peach Bowl, in which Clemson took home the 25-24 victory on a last second field goal. With a final score of 42-25, the LSU Tigers took home the win.

A huge takeaway from the championship game was the 21 unanswered points by the LSU Tigers. Lead by Heisman winner Joe Burrow, LSU clicked on all cylinders following a 17-7 deficit in the second quarter. Burrow finished the game, going 31/49 for 463 for five touchdowns, breaking countless records in the process. In only the national championship, he broke Clemson alum Deshaun Watson’s record for most total yards in a championship game and broke records for both total touchdowns and passing yards. To top it off, he also broke the record for most touchdown passes in a single season.

Thaddeus Moss, son of Randy Moss, had an impressive game, with two touchdowns on five catches. It was Ja’Marr Chase who stole the spotlight for receivers, though, as he finished the game with nine catches for 221 yards and two touchdowns. On the flip side, the Clemson Tigers started off hot, then got ice cold following half time, posting just eight points the entire half. Trever Lawrence showed that he is indeed human, completing 18 of his 37 pass attempts for 234 yards. He did have a rushing touchdown early in hopes to keep the early lead, but to no avail, as LSU took over soon after.

Clemson’s defense showed some flaws letting up the 463 yards, but also showed signs of their normal stellar defense, as they had five sacks. LSU’s defense really showed out, allowing only 384 total yards and even forcing a crucial fumble in the game. In the end, the battle of undefeated teams ended with a 42-25 victory for the LSU Tigers.

LSU capped off an incredible undefeated season with their first National Title since 2007 and fourth overall. However, Clemson hasn’t lost hope for another National title, and with one more season with Trevor Lawrence likely, as he can declare for the NBA draft next year, they will hold nothing back next season. For LSU, the exit of Joe Burrow next season, as he is likely to be the number one pick in the upcoming NFL draft, means a small reset at the quarterback position and hopes for a repeat in titles next season.