All we have heard about since Clemson beat Ohio State to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship is can the Tigers’ defense stop LSU’s powerhouse offense.

It’s a good question and one that will be broken down over and over again over the next nine days. However, no one is flipping it around and asking can LSU keep up with Clemson’s offense. It’s not like the ACC’s Tigers are chopped liver or something.

Clemson is ranked as one of the best offenses in the country, while LSU’s defense has struggled for the better part of the season. Granted the Bayou Bengals have gotten healthier over the last month of the season and have looked better down the stretch, but few people are talking about this matchup and how it can influence the game.

Clemson has one of the more balanced offenses in the country as it’s averaging 45.3 points per game (4th in the country) to go along with a rushing offense that leads the nation in yards per attempt (6.4), 12^th in rushing offense (246.1 yds/game) and 19^th nationally at throwing the football (292.2).

Here is a breakdown, from a statistical standpoint, when Clemson has the football:

Clemson’s scoring offense: 45.3 points per game (4^th nationally)

LSU scoring defense: 21.6 points per game (28^th nationally)

Clemson’s total offense per game:  538.4 yards per game (3^rd nationally)

LSU’s total defense per game: 339.9 (29^th nationally)

Clemson’s rushing offense per game: 246.1 (12^th nationally)

LSU’s rushing defense per game: 118.0 (20^th nationally)

Clemson’s passing offense per game: 292.2 (19^th nationally)

LSU’s passing defense per game: 221.9 (56^th nationally)

Clemson’s yards per rush: 6.4 (1^st nationally)

LSU’s yards per rush allowed: 3.6 (28^th nationally)

Clemson’s yards per attempt: 8.7 (13^th nationally)

LSU’s yards per attempt allowed: 6.4 (20^th nationally)

Clemson’s yards per play: 7.46 (4^th nationally)

LSU’s yards per play allowed: 5.05 (27^th nationally)

Clemson’s completion percentage offense: 65.3 (17^th nationally)

LSU’s completion percentage defense: 50.8 (2^nd nationally)

Clemson’s sacks allowed: 16 (tied for 11^th nationally)

LSU’s sacks: 35 (tied for 27^th nationally)

Clemson’s rushing TDs: 42 (3^rd nationally)

LSU’s rushing TDs allowed: 16 (36^th nationally)

Clemson’s passing touchdowns: 40 (6^th nationally)

LSU’s passing TDs allowed: 20 (tied for 53^rd nationally)

Clemson’s interceptions thrown: 10 (tied for 61^st nationally)

LSU’s interceptions: 17 (tied for 5^th nationally)

Clemson’s lost Turnovers: 14 (tied for 20^th nationally)

LSU’s forced turnovers: 21 (tied for 33^rd nationally)

Clemson’s third down offense: 46.5 percent (17^th nationally)

LSU’s third down defense: 30.7 (9^th nationally)

Clemson’s red zone TDs: 49 (4^th nationally)

LSU’s red zone TDs allowed: 24 (tied for 40^th nationally)

Clemson’s red zone TD percentage offense: 75.4 percent (9^th nationally)

LSU’s red zone TD percentage defense: 63.2 percent (tied for 84^th nationally)

Clemson is going back to the national championship game after once again winning the Fiesta Bowl over Ohio State. Get your official national championship and Fiesta Bowl champs gear right here!