Clemson's Swinney expects Shaq Lawson to play in title game

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney left little to the imagination regarding the availability of injured defensive end Shaq Lawson for the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday.

"We expect him to play," Swinney told reporters at the final press conference before the game. "He looked good yesterday. He's done everything he needs to do to play in the game."

On Saturday, Lawson set the chances of him playing against Alabama at "60 percent." The number seemed surprisingly low, given that Lawson's maintained he would be ready for the championship since he suffered a knee injury in the Orange Bowl.

Lawson also revealed Saturday that he's been practicing with a brace to protect a sprained MCL in his knee.

The junior has started each of the Tigers' 14 games this season. He's posted 55 tackles and 10.5 sacks, and his 23.5 tackles for loss leads the nation.