New Orleans, LA- Despite being just 20-years old, Trevor Lawrence is not unfamiliar with high-pressure games. Heading into his 2nd National Championship game in as many years, the Clemson quarterback is set to once again stamp his winning legacy, this time in New Orleans. Lawrence took the podium for Saturday morning’s Media Day to address their matchup against the only other undefeated team in college football in Louisiana State.
Lawrence has had a prolific 2019 campaign throwing for 3,431 yards and 36 total touchdowns which was capped off in the Peach Bowl where the Tigers defeated Ohio State in a come from behind title game clincher by a score of 29-23. Trailing 16-7 with just a minute to go in the first half, Lawrence triggered the comeback venture with a 67-yard touchdown run to deflate the Buckeyes momentum. This victory silenced a large chunk of media that doubted Clemson’s dominance due to their regular season schedule in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
It is well understood that LSU’s high-powered offense has the capability to quickly put opponents out of reach. They also hold an advantage in that the game will happen just an hour away from their campus, certainly turning the originally neutral site into a home-field environment. It is reasonable, however, to counter-balance LSU’s ‘home-field’ advantage with Clemson’s playoff experience with 3 National Championship appearances in the last 4 years.
In reference to the team’s playoff familiarity, Lawrence said, “I think some of our guys do have experience, older guys, obviously, have been here four times now, three times… But, I think the game’s won on the field. That kind of goes out the window once you get on the field. But as far as preparing and knowing what to expect and the schedule and just knowing how much time, all those things, that can have an impact. But once you get on the field the game’s going to be won out there, not in the years past. It doesn’t really matter too much.”
Lawrence’s experience has led to a deeper and humble perspective on his team’s success, knowing that it takes hard work and execution to defeat difficult opponents on the biggest stage in college football. Beyond his mentality, he has demonstrated a unique and dangerous skillset that is very much in the minds of the LSU program as they prepare their offensive scheme.
On Lawrence’s ability, LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron said, “He can make a decision on the line of scrimmage whether to hand it off, whether to throw it, short, easy throws. And then they’re going to take shots at those big receivers… It shows you the type of championship quarterback he is that he started extending plays with his feet… He took the Ohio State game in his own hands to win that football game, and you can see his determination and his grit and his courage.”
With still one more year until he becomes eligible for the NFL Draft, Lawrence’s tremendous potential has people questioning whether he ought to consider moving on from the NCAA after this championship game. The presented idea involves Lawrence signing for a professional league such as Pacific Pro Football and even the newly renovated XFL. To this, Lawrence reassures Tiger fans not to worry.
He said, “I just love Clemson. I love college football whether it’s one more year or two more years, whatever it may be, I just love it here. I love doing what I’ve done. I think it’s a unique experience being able to go to school and grow and become a man and get to do it with some of your best friends.”
One thing that is for sure is that Lawrence’s love for his team and city will only grow with another CFP trophy to bring back to South Carolina.
Written by Paul Fritz
