National championship player props: Best bets for Clemson-LSU
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The national title game is one of the rare occasions during the college football season when player props are open to essentially everyone. After previously diving into this game from a spread and totals perspective, here are the best individual props to consider for the epic clash.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire over 53.5 receiving yards
Edwards-Helaire was used sparingly in the semifinals while being hampered by a hamstring injury, recording just two carries for 14 yards and zero catches. But now that he's had time to recover, he's a player I want to go over on.
After recording just 12 total catches in his first seven games of the season, Edwards-Helaire quietly hauled in 40 during a six-week stretch. Justin Jefferson, Ja'marr Chase, and Terrace Marshall get all the love in LSU's receiving corps, but Edwards-Helaire is the guy quarterback Joe Burrow looks to when he's in trouble. And if Clemson decides to send pressure - which it will - the running back should get over this number.
Travis Etienne over 94.5 rushing yards
Despite endorsing a Clemson +5.5/6 ticket, I know there's a good chance the offense could be in a negative game script and need to unleash quarterback Trevor Lawrence through the air. Still, I'll take the nation's leader in rushing yards per attempt against an LSU run defense that's been spotty at times.
Joe Burrow under 372.5 passing yards
I think Ohio State was a great tune-up for Clemson in preparing for LSU's star-studded receiving corps. Although LSU stretches the field more vertically than the Buckeyes do, Monday's matchup is eerily reminiscent of what Clemson saw in last year's title game versus Alabama. With a couple of weeks to prepare and an absurdly high number for a quarterback who will be facing the nation's No. 3 defense in opponents' yards per completion, I'm extremely comfortable taking the under here.
Tee Higgins over 5.5 receptions
How scary is it that Clemson put up 29 points against the nation's top defense despite getting just 80 combined receiving yards from its top wideout duo of Higgins and Justyn Ross? The answer: very scary. Higgins suffered an early injury against Ohio State and missed a chunk of that game, but he still managed to bring down four passes for 33 yards.
LSU's secondary is full of future NFL talent, and I'm guessing Higgins will draw freshman standout Derek Stingley Jr. Though there aren't many spots to pick on, don't be surprised if Lawrence targets the 6-foot-4 Higgins, who's one of the best in the country at making catches in traffic.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKoIodziej.