National Championship matchups to watch: Clemson O-Line vs. LSU's K'Lavon Chaisson
Andre Toran
From play one, LSU set the tone against Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl Dec. 28 with a K'Lavon Chaisson sack of Jalen Hurts.
A bull-rush from the left side of the Tigers defensive line sent Chaisson barreling into the chest of Sooners H-back Brayden Willis and finished with a powerful, disengaging shuck that threw Willis deeper into the backfield and netted Chaisson his fourth and a half sack in the last three games.
By the end of the contest, Chaisson recorded two sacks and added six solo stops, and a handful of disruptions en route to a Peach Bowl Most Outstanding Defensive Player award.
Chaisson has been on a hot streak lately and has helped LSU's defense finally come within reach of its potential. The sophomore edge player, that many are projecting to go in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, is a key piece in what LSU wants to accomplish upfront, whether that's stunts or twists to free up blitzing linebackers or to take advantage of Chaisson's athleticism and create pressure inside.
In addition to his pass rush ability, Chaisson is a patient player — something that isn't always the case for an edge rusher with a relentless intent to get after the passer — that plays his assignment well and remains disciplined when run-flow goes away from him.
There is a reason behind his first-round projections, and if the Clemson offensive line didn't shut down potential top-two pick Chase Young in the Fiesta Bowl, then there would be reason for them to worry about the challenge that Chaisson proposes.
However, Clemson tackles Jackson Carman and Tremanye Anchrum held Young to two tackles and zero sacks.
Carman spent a majority of the game singled up on Young, no chip blocks, no tight end help. Carman did a good job of not being over-zealous or antsy in his pass set. He allowed Young to rush as far upfield as he wanted and used his 6-foot-6 frame and length to take Young's rush vertical and prevented him from cutting the corner towards the quarterback.
As the game continued Ohio State decided to give Anchrum his shot with Young, and he was able to manage as well, but struggled a little bit more than Carman because of his lack of length. At 6-foot-2, 315 pounds, Anchrum would rather catch a defensive end in his wheelhouse so he can get hands on and use his power to dictate the end's rush.
This is often the case with shorter-armed offensive linemen, but with an elite rusher like Young, that can prove to be ineffective and dangerous.
To enhance and maintain some of the success Clemson offensive tackles were having, the Tigers used hard counts to combat Young's rush — and to identify what pressures or stunts were coming and from where.
Additionally, Clemson utilized run-pass option (RPO) and quarterback read-options with Trevor Lawrence to hold Young accountable.
Expect the same with Chaisson. Clemson will deploy these tactics to hold an impactful edge player like Chaisson and slow down his rush by forcing him to make a decision.
Here's where Chaisson has the upper-hand: Carman can get lackadaisical with his footwork at times as defenders rush him. Though he uses his length to run pass rushers upfield, he like Anchrum, hopes to catch the defender in his bread basket, where his power is.
If an end exhibits any type of bend versus taking his rush too deep into the backfield, then there's a good chance he'll get to the quarterback. Chaisson (6-foot-4, listed at 250, but likely lighter) has good bend, but is slight compared to Young, size-wise (6-foot-5, 265 pounds). So, he doesn't want to get caught in the paws of Carman.
When it comes to Anchrum, a simple speed rush with a long arm, accompanied by a second move should be enough for a rusher to land pressure and be disruptive.
The Clemson offensive line will have to put on another clinic and communicate during stunts to limit Chaisson's impact.
Either way the advantage swings, the one who gets the upper hand will have a significant impact on the fabric of this game.
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Andre Toran at 334-322-4631 or AToran@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndreToran.
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