LSU vs Clemson Championship Game Day Injury/Suspension Updates
By Chris Amberley in College Football
Updated: April 7, 2020 at 9:35 am EDTPublished:
- No. 3 Clemson clashes with No. 1 LSU in the College Football Playoff National Championship
- Star receivers Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross are both fully healthy for Clemson after suffering various injuries in the Fiesta Bowl
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire practiced all week without limitations for LSU after suffering a hamstring injury in practice leading up to the Peach Bowl
No. 3 Clemson (14-0) and No. 1 LSU (14-0) clash Monday night (Jan. 13, 8 pm ET) in New Orleans, in what promises to be an epic National Championship game.
LSU is seeking its first National Title since 2007, while Clemson is looking to be crowned kings of college football for the third time in four years.
No. 3 Clemson vs No. 1 LSU Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson Tigers | +5.0 (-108) | +183 | Over 68.0 (-110) |
| LSU Tigers | -5.0 (-112) | -213 | Under 68.0 (-110) |
Odds taken Jan. 12th
With the 16 day layoff between the semifinals and this title game, both teams should be at full strength for the showdown at the Superdome.
Clean Bill of Health
Clemson’s Tee Higgins played just one first half series against the Buckeyes due to an apparent head injury, but returned for the second half to haul in four catches for 33 yards.
He later told the media it was an ankle injury that forced him out of action, but he’s been a full-go at practice all week. Justyn Ross, meanwhile, was checked out numerous times by team trainers in the Fiesta Bowl after taking several hard hits.
Like Higgins though, he’s been a full participant in practice and is 100% according to head coach Dabo Swinney.
Clemson Injury Report
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tee Higgins | WR | IN |
| Justyn Ross | WR | IN |
| Nyles Pinckney | DL | QUEST |
There’s a little more uncertainty with starting defensive tackle Nyles Pinckney. The 295-pound senior played just nine snaps versus Ohio State due to an ankle injury and wasn’t dressed for the media portion of Saturday’s practice. Swinney told reporters if Pinckney plays he’ll be limited, which means more action for redshirt sophomore Jordan Williams.
LSU’s Leading Rusher is Ready
LSU scored 63 points in its semifinal win over Oklahoma mostly without the services of leading rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
The junior running back was limited to just two carries thanks to a hamstring injury, but he’s practiced without limitations all week and will be ready to roll against Clemson.
#LSU QB Joe Burrow (@Joe_Burrow10) connects with RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (@Clydro_22) on this out route.
Edwards-Helaire looking very comfortable at practice today.
Running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield pic.twitter.com/yFjSN0sHom— Josh Sibley (@RealJSibley) January 10, 2020
LSU’s defense will also get a significant boost thanks to the return of linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. The 6-foot-2, 241-pound senior was suspended for the past six games for violating the team’s drug policy, and his presence gives LSU another pass rusher to deploy on third down.
LSU Injury Report
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | IN |
| Terrace Marshall Jr. | WR | QUEST |
| Damien Lewis | OG | QUEST |
LSU’s third leading receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. is questionable, but expected to play, after suffering a minor injury in the Peach Bowl, but they may be without offensive lineman Damien Lewis.
The starting guard was in a walking boot after suffering an ankle injury in the win over the Sooners, and returned to practice last week in a limited fashion with both ankles heavily taped. If he’s unable to go, senior Adrian Magee will take his place.
Sports Writer
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
