3 X-Factors for LSU That Can Lead Them to Victory Over Oklahoma in Peach Bowl

LSU has been unbeatable all season.
LSU has been unbeatable all season. / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

The LSU Tigers are the top-ranked team in college football and are set to take on Oklahoma as overwhelming favorites in the Peach Bowl. The entire team has been dominant all season and there are several X-factors that have helped contribute to the 13-0 record.

Oklahoma already has enough to plan for in this College Football Playoff semifinal matchup. These X-factors add to the level of difficulty.

3. Joe Burrow's Two-Way Capabilities

LSU QB Joe Burrow can run the ball if he needs to.
LSU QB Joe Burrow can run the ball if he needs to. / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy because of his passing numbers. Yet he has shown the ability to throw on the run and also run the ball when necessary. He has 289 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns this season. That makes him the team's second-leading rusher. While he's not the most gifted runner of the football, he's capable of making plays and extending drives with his legs if he has to. Even if Oklahoma forces Burrow out of the pocket he has the talent to move the sticks.

2. Cade York's Kicking

Cade York is a reliable kicker for LSU.
Cade York is a reliable kicker for LSU. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

LSU has a reliable kicker in Cade York. He is 21-for-25 on field goals this season and has made 4-of-5 from over 50 yards. The freshman kicker and is playing like a seasoned veteran during the Tigers' undefeated season. If Oklahoma forces some stops against Burrow and the offense, LSU doesn't have to force things on fourth down, because York is more than capable of stepping up from virtually anywhere and knocking the ball through the uprights.

1. LSU's Gifted Secondary

Freshman CB Derek Stingley Jr. leads LSU's defense in interceptions.
Freshman CB Derek Stingley Jr. leads LSU's defense in interceptions. / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Derek Stingley Jr. is another freshman playing like a star for LSU. He has five interceptions on the season and pulled in two in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. The emerging star will be sharing the secondary with Grant Delpit, Kristian Fulton and JaCoby Stevens. Together, they make up one of the best secondaries in the country, and they'll challenge Hurts on virtually every throw.