What Is 2020 CFP National Championship Game

Overview

The 2020 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship marked the culmination of the 2019 college football season, determining the national champion through a single, high-stakes game. LSU and Clemson, the top two ranked teams in the final CFP rankings, advanced through the semifinals to face off in New Orleans.

This championship was notable for being the sixth edition of the CFP and the first time LSU reached the final under head coach Ed Orgeron. The game also featured one of the most dominant offensive performances in title game history, led by LSU's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow.

• Final score: LSU defeated Clemson 42–25, securing their first national championship since 2007 with a commanding performance in all phases of the game.
• Date and venue: The game took place on January 13, 2020, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, a venue previously used for Super Bowl LIII.
• Teams involved: No. 1 LSU (14–0) faced No. 2 Clemson (15–0), making it the first CFP title game featuring two undefeated teams since the format began in 2014.
• Joe Burrow's performance: LSU's quarterback threw for 463 yards and 5 touchdowns with no interceptions, earning him Offensive Player of the Game honors.
• Historic context: LSU became the first team in CFP history to win the national title after starting the season unranked in the AP Top 25 preseason poll.

How It Works

The College Football Playoff system determines the national champion through a four-team knockout bracket, with selections made by a 13-member committee based on performance, strength of schedule, and other criteria. The semifinal games rotate among six designated bowl sites, with the winners advancing to the national championship.

• Selection Process:13-member committee ranks teams weekly after Week 7; top four enter playoff, with semifinals at rotating bowl sites such as the Peach or Fiesta Bowl.
• Playoff Format: The four-team bracket has been used since 2014; semifinals are played on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, with the final about a week later.
• Eligibility Criteria: Teams must be from any FBS conference; automatic bids are not granted, meaning even Power Five champions must be selected by the committee.
• Championship Game Host: The final is awarded through a bidding process; 2020's host was New Orleans, which previously hosted in 2019 and 2012.
• Player Eligibility: Athletes must maintain NCAA academic and amateurism standards; injured players may participate if medically cleared by team physicians and trainers.
• Revenue Distribution: Each conference whose team reaches the playoff earns approximately $6 million, with additional funds for advancing to the final.

Comparison at a Glance

Key differences between LSU and Clemson heading into the 2020 CFP National Championship:

The matchup highlighted contrasting storylines: Clemson, the defending champions and favorites, entered the game riding a 29-game winning streak, while LSU had reemerged as a powerhouse after years of inconsistency. Despite Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence playing through injury, LSU’s explosive offense and superior defensive adjustments led to a decisive victory.

Why It Matters

The 2020 CFP National Championship had far-reaching implications for college football, reshaping perceptions of program trajectories and coaching legacies. It also underscored the growing dominance of high-octane offenses in the modern era of the sport.

• LSU’s program resurgence: Winning the title reestablished LSU as a national power, boosting recruiting and validating Ed Orgeron’s rebuilding efforts after years of mediocrity.
• Joe Burrow’s legacy: His performance cemented him as the first Heisman winner to win a national title since 2007 and propelled him to being the first overall NFL draft pick in 2020.
• End of Clemson’s streak: The loss snapped Clemson’s 29-game winning streak, the longest active run in college football at the time, ending a historic two-year run.
• Impact on playoff debate: The lopsided result reignited discussion about expanding the playoff to include more teams, with calls for a 12-team format gaining momentum.
• Television ratings: The game drew 25.1 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched cable broadcasts in U.S. history, reflecting the sport’s cultural significance.
• Recruiting influence: LSU’s victory significantly enhanced its appeal to elite recruits, particularly in the South, where perception of winning programs heavily influences decisions.

The 2020 CFP National Championship was not just a game—it was a turning point for LSU’s football identity and a benchmark for offensive excellence in college football history.