LIVE: Follow SN's coverage of LSU vs. Clemson for updates
LSU crushed No. 4 Oklahoma 63-28 in the national semifinal last month, and Clemson stole a 29-23 win from No. 2 Ohio State to advance to the biggest game of the year.
Led by Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, LSU has the best offense in the nation, and it was on full display against the Sooners. Burrow had an insane seven touchdowns and 403 passing yards in the first half of the semifinal, effectively ending the game before halftime. Clemson's defense, though, allowed fewer points than any other team this year, creating a massive showdown when Burrow is on the field.
In the first 12 games of his season, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence averaged 6.4 carries for 33.9 yards per game, with season-highs of 11 carries and 66 yards. Against the Buckeyes in the semifinal, he ran 16 times for 107 yards. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney finally let his prized quarterback loose, and it worked, turning LSU's ability to contain Lawrence on the ground into a huge storyline.
Here's a guide to everything you need to watch LSU vs. Clemson in the College Football Playoff championship game, including TV channel, kickoff time, location and updated betting odds.
MORE: SN's way-too-early top 25 for 2020
What channel is LSU vs. Clemson on tonight?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: WatchESPN
The College Football Playoff national championship between LSU and Clemson is broadcast nationally on ESPN. Chris Fowler will be the play-by-play announcer, with Kirk Herbstreit as an analyst. Tom Rinaldi and Maria Taylor will be on the sideline.
In addition to the main broadcast on ESPN, viewers have a few alternative options to watch the CFP championship game via ESPN's "Megacast," shown across its sister stations. That includes Command Center (ESPN2), Film Room (ESPNU), Skycast (ESPNews), DataCenter (ESPN Goal Line) and All-22 (ESPN App).
MORE: Five things at stake in LSU vs. Clemson championship game
What time does the college football championship game start?
- Date: Monday, Jan. 13
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
The College Football Playoff national championship between LSU and Clemson is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 13.
Where is the CFP national championship 2020?
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
The 2020 CFP national championship is in the Superdome in New Orleans. This is the first college football playoff national championship hosted by the home of the New Orleans Saints.
The national championship locations have been chosen through 2024, without a repeat venue scheduled.
LSU vs. Clemson odds to win 2020 national championship
LSU opened as a five-point favorite over Clemson, according to Sportsbook Review, and that has grown to a 5.5-point advantage as most of the money has been placed on the favorites. LSU's moneyline is around -215, depending on the book, and Clemson's is +181.
Despite being the lower seed, Clemson was a 2.5-point favorite in its semifinal against Ohio State. The 29-23 win moved Clemson to 10-3 against the spread this year. LSU is 9-3-2 against the spread, easily covering against the Sooners.
College Football Playoff history, past winners
| Date | Winning team | Losing team | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 12, 2015 | Ohio State | Oregon | 42-20 | Arlington, Texas |
| Jan. 11, 2016 | Alabama | Clemson | 45-40 | Glendale, Arizona |
| Jan. 9, 2017 | Clemson | Alabama | 35-31 | Tampa, Florida |
| Jan. 8, 2018 | Alabama | Georgia | 26-23 | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Jan. 7, 2019 | Clemson | Alabama | 44-16 | Santa Clara, California |
| Jan. 13, 2020 | ??? | ??? | ??? | New Orleans, Louisiana |
LSU vs. Clemson news from Sporting News
• Ed Orgeron's voice is quintessentially Cajun, a product of his deep Louisiana roots
• Clemson's Dabo Swinney era almost didn't happen & more fun facts you didn't know about the coach
• Clemson's 29-game win streak by the numbers
• The lasting lessons that helped LSU's Ed Orgeron become Louisiana's favorite son
• 'You cannot ask for more': CFP director Bill Hancock defends successful four-team Playoff
• Meet Bella Martina, the girl who looks like Trevor Lawrence
• How Joe Burrow’s Heisman speech raised thousands for Ohio charity