(AP Photo/Eric Gay)NEW ORLEANS, LA – Clemson relied all year on a strong defense and quarterback Trevor Lawrence to give itself a shot at a second straight national title. In the end, Clemson gave up 1,144 yards in its two playoff games, including a semifinal win over Ohio State. It was just he second time in 30 college games Lawrence did not throw a TD pass. Lawrence and the defense had always been able to close things out before in winning the past 29 games. The 6-foot-6 Lawrence will return for his junior year after going 25-1 as a starter the past two years.

“But LSU has been good at either picking it up or Burrow identifying it and getting the ball out quickly. Mellor said Burrow was the top-graded quarterback in the country this season when facing pressure. WHEN CLEMSON HAS THE BALLOver his last seven games, Lawrence has been the highest-graded quarterback in college football by Pro Football Focus. “Avoiding those three (in coverage) is the biggest win for Clemson,” Mellor said. The LSU defensive line is huge, with three 300-pounders usually on the field at once.