CFB PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL MATCHUPS

Note: These are not FINNsider picks, just matchup previews

LSU has by far been the surprise team of the year in 2019. Their offense has been completely transformed into one of, if not the most, explosive offense in the nation. Joe Burrow added the Heisman Trophy to his mantle as well and their Joe Brady (passing game coordinator) took home the Broyles Award for Assistant of the Year. Fully expect LSU to continue their offensive onslaught. Oklahoma has enjoyed a better defense this year in terms of Oklahoma defenses, however, nationally it is still regarded as just about average (78 Def GmSc). Other than Kenneth Murray, there are no real difference makers on this Oklahoma defense this year. Murray, a two time all BIG12 linebacker, is an absolutely disruptive player on defense and can essentially do it all. LSU just has too many weapons on this offense led by Burrow where there is no reason why they should not score at least 40 points in this matchup.

Led by yet another transfer quarterback, Oklahoma's offense is explosive and effective yet again. Maybe a tick down from the past couple years when they were led by Heisman winning quarterbacks. This, however, will probably be the difference-maker in this game, will Oklahoma be able to keep up with this LSU offense. Defensively LSU has not been anywhere near what people are used to seeing out of them. Whether you blame the offense transforming into an up-tempo, high scoring offense, or the fact they really have not been fully healthy all year, something just has not been right. The last 2 weeks they have been much healthier and the performance has been great. A dominant effort vs a decent Texas A&M offense, followed by an impressive performance, in particular on the ground, against the Bulldogs in the SEC championship. Limiting CD Lamb, whether it is true freshman phenom Derek Stingley or senior Kristian Fulton, will be the key to LSU having success defensively.

The second interesting thing to watch while Oklahoma is on offense is Jalen Hurts ability to extend plays and run the ball. It is interesting solely because of LSU's performance against mobile Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Some are crediting the performance to a letdown game since it followed the huge victory over Alabama, take that however you'd like. Ole Miss managed to put up "just" 37 points, but Plumlee rushed for over 200 yards and four touchdowns. Oklahoma uses plenty of running plays designed for Hurts just like Ole Miss so it will be interesting to see how LSU does against such plays.

End of the day, this game has all signs of a shootout and the safest play in such games is to take the points, especially when it is almost two touchdowns worth.

This game is an absolutely star-studded matchup with NFL talent all over the place. Finnelyics has Ohio State edging out the Tigers 30-28 in what should be a great, evenly matched up game.

Clemson started the season off slow but ever since North Carolina they have just steamrolled through the rest of their opponents. Their offense, full of playmakers, has returned back to form as to be expected. But the unit where many people thought would have seen a setback this year is on the defensive side of the ball. This Clemson defense has been elite all year. Poor opponents or not, Finnelyics has their 95 overall rated defense as the best in the nation, which does include the caliber of opponents played. Dick Butkus Award winner Isaiah Simmons has been a problem for offenses all year. A converted safety, who can match RB Travis Etienne step for step, provides Brent Venables the ability to throw a plethora of looks at opposing offenses. Keeping Ohio State guessing on offense will be a primary focus for Clemson since the weak spot of this defense is in the trenches. Clemson lost all four starters on the defensive line to the NFL last offseason leaving a young, yet still talented unit. There is a good chance Ohio State running back JK Dobbins will get his, however, with Justin Fields being only "75-80%" with a hurt knee, that may take some pressure off the Clemson defensive front.

Offensively there are matchups made for TV all over the field. Starting on the line with Heisman invite DE Chase Young going up against sophomore five-star recruit Jackson Carmen out of Ohio. Clemson's offensive line has been one of the most efficient in the nation this year in both rushing and pass protection aspects. The secondary will be full of matchups the caliber that Clemson has not seen all year as well. Cornerbacks Jeffrey Okudah and Damon Arnette, both destined for the NFL, will be responsible for covering Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins.

This game is evenly matched up across the field and should be great, close game with a bit more defense than the other semi-final matchup. Generally not a great game to bet on. Unfortunately, the deciding factor in this game may be Justin Fields health.