With the national title game now just under a week away, much of the focus has centered on how Brent Venables and the Clemson defense will have its hands full trying to slow down an explosive Louisiana State offense.

Led by Heismann Trophy quarterback Joe Burrow, it just might be the best offense in college history.

The national media seems to have already awarded them that crown, despite the fact they have a game remaining. That game just happens to come against Clemson, a team that ranks 1st in scoring defense (11.5 points per game) and pass defense (152 yards per game).

The Tigers also rank 2nd in total defense (264 yards per game) and just happen to be led by the nation’s best defensive coordinator in Venables.

One of the biggest keys for Clemson to win this game will fall on the defense. Shutting the LSU offense down completely isn’t very feasible, but slowing it is a must. Getting into a track meet against this LSU team isn’t the best recipe for success, even if Clemson has quarterback Trevor Lawrence on the opposite side of the field.

The most ideal way to slow them down would be getting upfront pressure on Burrow. This hasn’t been a strong suit for this defensive line so Venables has had to be more creative when it comes to generating pressure. In other words, he’s been even more aggressive when it comes to blitzing.

When teams blitz, it leaves an area of the field vulnerable. Burrow has been very good about recognizing, then beating, the blitz. This LSU offense is full of hot reads, and Burrow isn’t afraid to use them. Disguising those blitzes and making sure they’re well timed will be key.

Another key on that side of the ball lies with the secondary. With the LSU offense being so explosive, it’s imperative that the Tigers limit the big plays down the field by not getting beat over the top. The defensive backs will need to keep things in front of them.

Make LSU drive the field and rely on extended drives to get points. This brings the Tigers’ stingy red zone defense into play. Defending the short field is an area Clemson has excelled in this season, and even an explosive offense like LSU’s could have scoring issues.

Winning the turnover battle is another key. Forcing turnovers gives the Clemson offense extra possessions, while taking away scoring opportunities from the Bayou Tigers.

Ironically, with all the talk of the LSU offense, the biggest key to success for Clemson might just lie with their own offense. Getting running back Travis Etienne going is a must. The best way to defend against that offense is to keep it on the sidelines. Running the ball successfully would do just that and shorten the game.

If there were ever a game in which Etienne gets the ball 18-25 times and runs for more than 100 yards, this is it. The LSU defensive front is good, but it isn’t as good as what Clemson just saw against Ohio State. LSU is playing better defensively now, but this is still the group that allowed Ole Miss. to run wild, to the tune of 402 yards.

Clemson is going to have to run the ball to win this game. If Etienne can’t get it going for whatever reason, they will need another big game on the ground from Lawrence. His legs were a big factor in the Fiesta Bowl win and a repeat performance might be in order if the Clemson running backs are held in check again.

The National Championship game in New Orleans, La. will air on ESPN at 8 pm Monday. It can be heard on WCOS (1400 AM) and through the TuneIn Radio phone app.