Clemson’s 2020 National Championship Odds Shortened to +200 After Week 1 Blowout

• #1 Clemson’s National Title odds are at +200 after a 52-14 victory over Georgia Tech
• The Tigers were dominant in Week 1 despite a mediocre game from Trevor Lawrence
• Who’s the best bet to win the National Championship after the opening week of the season?

The Clemson Tigers kicked off the 2019 season in the same dominant fashion they ended the 2018 campaign. The number one team in the country dismantled ACC rival Georgia Tech by 38 points and now have +200 odds to win the National Title.

2020 CFP National Championship Odds

*Odds taken on 09/02/19.

The Tigers’ National Championship odds are slightly shorter than number two Alabama’s, and that gap could widen if they continue their dominance in Week 2 versus the 12th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies.

Clemson Needs More From Lawrence

Lost in Clemson’s Week 1 blowout was the mediocre performance from Heisman co-favorite Trevor Lawrence. Last year’s breakout star was picked off twice on just 23 attempts and his yards per attempt was down a full yard from a season ago.

Outstanding INT by #GeorgiaTech #YellowJackets CB @TreSwilling! One of the few mistakes I’ve seen from Trevor Lawrence pic.twitter.com/YGLMxUyRMB

— IG: @SleeperAthletes (@SleeperAth1etes) August 30, 2019

These types of struggles are unlikely to continue and were fortunately overshadowed by an incredible performance from running back Travis Etienne. The 2018 ACC player of the year racked up over 200 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries, including this record tying run in the opening quarter.

Travis Etienne….confirmed VERY fastpic.twitter.com/ELx0GVkXpB

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 30, 2019

As a team, the Tigers rushed for 411 yards in their opener, but they’ll need more from Lawrence starting in Week 2 against Texas A&M. The Aggies held the Tigers to just 28 points a season ago, but that was at a time when Lawrence was still the back-up.

Clemson Looks Superior to Alabama Early

While Clemson came roaring out of the gate in Week 1, the same cannot be said for Alabama. It took the Crimson Tide well over a quarter to finally find the end zone against a lackluster Duke team, while the Tigers scored five touchdowns in their first 32 minutes of action.

Clemson. Can’t. Stop. Scoring. ? pic.twitter.com/P5itwH9OkB

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) August 30, 2019

On paper, Alabama’s 42-3 victory looks like a dominant performance, but their offensive line allowed more pressure than anyone expected and they struggled to run the ball. Bama averaged just 3.45 yards a carry on 42 attempts, and 54 of their 145 total rushing yards came in the fourth quarter when starters were sitting.

Jerome Ford races 37-yard through the defense for the TOUCHDOWN!#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/J20Ukn5LR0

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) August 31, 2019

We’re unlikely to learn much from this Alabama team in Week 2 considering their opponent is New Mexico State. So as it stands, Clemson appears to be a more deserving betting favorite.

Take Advantage of the Tigers’ Odds

Considering how dominant the Tigers were and how sluggish the Tide looked at times, it’s surprising that Clemson’s National Championship odds aren’t even shorter.

Many wondered how their defense would perform after losing eight starters from last year’s championship team, but they were just as effective as the offense. The unit racked up two fumbles, two interceptions and added two first half fourth down spots when the game was not yet out of reach.

This Tigers team is the real deal on all fronts.