Live: Clemson and LSU face off in College Football Playoff championship game - USA TODAY

Chris Bumbaca USA TODAY

Published 8:27 PM EST Jan 13, 2020

Clemson stalls

A first-play attempt at trickery went for a loss, but two chunk plays brought Clemson into LSU territory. The LSU defense stepped up there, with dynamic safety Grant Delpit dropping Lawrence for a sack, which took them out of field goal range. Entering the game, the Clemson offensive line had surrendered 21 sacks in the last 22 games. 

Now the ball goes to Heisman winner Joe Burrow and the LSU offense inside their own 10. 

Clemson starts with the ball

The national anthem has been sung and the pregame festivities have wrapped up. LSU won the toss and deferred to the second half, much to the delight of the pro-LSU crowd. Clemson will take the opening kickoff and start with the ball. 

Warm welcome for President Trump

In his second appearance at a College Football Playoff championship game, President Donald Trump received a rousing applause when he entered the field at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Trump and his wife, Melania, walked to near midfield with cheers of "U-S-A" echoing loud enough that he momentarily stopped and turned to crowd before taking his place before the national anthem. Trump previously was in Atlanta for the Georgia-Alabama game two years ago.

This will be the second time Trump has seen LSU play, as he attended the LSU-Alabama game in Tuscaloosa earlier this season. 

Press box pays tribute to Carley McCord

A seat in the Mercedes-Benz Superdone was reserved for Carley McCord, a Louisiana broadcaster that died on Dec. 28 in a plane crash in Lafayette, Louisiana. The plane carrying McCord was on its way to Atlanta with passengers planning to attend the Peach Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma. Her husband, Steve Ensminger Jr., is the son of Tigers offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger.

Power Rangers, assemble

Among the former players in attendance are the starting defensive line of last year's Clemson national title team. The quartet of Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, Austin Bryant, Clellin Ferrell gathered with ESPN's Holly Rowe for a pregame photo on the field of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The adopted the Power Rangers as the alter ego for their group during their time playing for the Tigers. 

Game preview

The first College Football Playoff championship game of the decade pits a team on the verge of establishing the next dynasty and the other charged with completing an undefeated season in front of a hometown crowd with the Heisman Trophy winner on its sideline. 

No. 3 Clemson (14-0), going for its 30th consecutive victory, and No. 1 LSU, is poised to be a battle of heavyweights in the vein of Rocky Balboa v. Ivan Drago, as Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has been telling his team. 

Heisman winner and presumptive top pick in the NFL draft Joe Burrow leads a prolific LSU offense that unleashed 63 points in the national semifinal game. Clemson boasts Trevor Lawrence, considered one of the country's top QBs, under center — the sophomore already owns a national championship and hasn't lost in 29 college contests. 

Both quarterbacks have a bevy of talent to throw to, with playmakers all over the field. Running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU) and Travis Etienne (Clemson) are both dynamic in the rushing and passing attacks. 

Clemson has done this before. A win would give them three championships in the last four years and crown them undisputed kings of the sport. LSU will look to dethrone them. 

KEYS TO VICTORY: What Clemson, LSU must do to win national title

WHO HAS EDGE?: Breaking down the matchups in the championship game

STAFF PICKS: Our experts predict the title game between Clemson, LSU

BEST GAME: Clemson's Lawrence showed greatness in Fiesta Bowl win

EARLY ORGERON: LSU coach almost got kicked off his college team 

HIDDEN KEY: LSU's defensive coordinator helped shape Tigers offense

MONEY GAME: Big bonuses on line for Clemson's Swinney, LSU's Orgeron

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