Led by Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, the top-ranked LSU Tigers defeated the No. 3-ranked Clemson Tigers 42-25 to win the CFP National Championship played Monday night.
Monday’s win comes after LSU (15-0) won both the SEC title and Peach Bowl. LSU’s win in the Peach Bowl, which acted as a national semifinal, was by a dominating 63-28 scoreline over No. 4-ranked Oklahoma, the champs of the Big 12.
LSU prevented Clemson (14-1) from becoming the first team since the 2011 and 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide to win back to back national titles.
Burrow was off to a hot start in the first half, completing 16 of 28 passes for 270 yards and threw for three touchdowns.
After Clemson took a 17-7 lead, Burrow’s offense responded with three touchdowns to grab a 28-17 lead before halftime.
A crucial moment took place in the third quarter when James Skalski was given a targeting penalty, and ejected from the game with LSU up just 28-25. Moments later, Burrow threw for a touchdown to give LSU a 35-25 advantage. The touchdown gave Burrow his 59th passing touchdown of the season, marking a new college football record.
He threw a 60th touchdown of the season in the fourth quarter, adding to his record.
