Lawrence outstanding as Clemson cruises into title game

Trevor Lawrence was outstanding and Clemson advanced to the College Football Playoffs Championship Game for the third time in four years as the Tigers walloped Notre Dame Saturday, 30-3. In the first-ever national semifinal featuring two undefeated teams, Clemson dominated with a stifling defense even without star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence who was suspended for the game by the NCAA. Lawrence was 27-for-39 passing for 327 yards and three touchdowns and was lifted at the end of the third quarter as the Tigers went to back-ups in the fourth quarter. Lawrence connected with fellow freshman Justyn Ross for a 52-yard score as he beat man-to-man coverage deep down the sideline. The second connection by the freshmen duo was about 10 minutes later on a 42 yard touchdown. Ross split the middle of the Notre Dame defense on third-and-14 that gave Clemson a 16-3 advantage with 1:44 left in the half. Lawrence also found Tee Higgins in the final seconds of the first half to put the Tigers up 23-3 at halftime. Clemson running back Travis Etienne rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries for the Tigers. Notre Dame (12-1) was limited to 248 total yards. Clemson (14-0) will face Alabama or Oklahoma for the National Championship on Monday, January 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.