NO. 1 LSU (13-0) VS. NO. 4 OKLAHOMA (12-1)

Line:

WHEN LSU HAS THE BALL:

LSU by 13.5.

Coaches like to talk about being aggressive offensively. That’s how Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, above left, and the Tigers play. “Whether it’s by tempo or by play design, they maintain their aggressiveness from play one until the last play of the game,” Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead said.

The Tigers often have five receivers on the field, relying on their front five to pass protect and Burrow’s decision-making and mobility to avoid pressure. LSU’s top three wide receivers (All-American Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall Jr.) each have at least 10touchdown catches. Versatile running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (50 catches and 1,290yards rushing) is used frequently in the passing game as more than just an outlet for Burrow.

“Even when you include the tight end (Thaddeus Moss), all their guys can win the one-on-one matchups,” Moorhead said. Edwards-Helaire is nursing a hamstring injury and might not play. His versatility would be missed, though probably not as much as Oklahoma will miss defensive end Ronnie Perkins. Perkins, who leads the Sooners in sacks with six, is reportedly suspended for the playoff.

“The key to their defense is really to get pressure

WHEN OKLAHOMA HAS THE BALL:

If fans expect a typical fast-paced Big 12offense, the Sooners might surprise them.

“They are not a high-flying tempo offense. They are pro-style, substitute personnel groupings, call two plays, getting into the right play at the line. As a result they can limit possessions,” Rhule said. Oklahoma’s offenses under coach Lincoln Riley have always been balanced and among the best in the country on the ground. With Heisman runnerup Jalen Hurts (1, above right), the quarterback is now the Sooners’ primary ball carrier. The powerful senior ran for 1,255yards behind a huge offensive line. Kennedy Brooks is the top tailback. Injuries and suspensions have depleted the depth behind him. Expect a lot of Hurts and Brooks, setting up playaction passes to All-America receiver CeeDee Lamb. The Sooners don’t have much chance of holding down LSU’s offense without getting a bunch of turnovers. Slowing down the game might be OU’s best bet. But LSU’s defense is healthier than it’s been all season and their big bodies up front (Glen Logan, Tyler Shelvin and Rashard Lawrence all weigh over 300pounds) are hard to move. “They play the odd stack (three-down linemen), really kind of stuff up your interior gaps,” Moorhead said.

RALPH RUSSO’S PICK:

LSU 45-24.