LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire plays sparingly in Peach Bowl after injury

LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire saw limited action Saturday's Peach Bowl against Oklahoma after participating in pregame drills.

LSU coach Ed Orgeron told ESPN that Edwards-Helaire is "going to play in certain situations. He told me he is ready to go." The running back did not start the game, but entered for one play on team's first offensive series. He was in the backfield when Joe Burrow threw a touchdown pass to Jordan Jefferson.

He finished with 14 yards on two carries as the Tigers cruised to a 63-28 victory and advanced to the College Football Playoff championship game.

Edwards-Helaire injured his hamstring during a practice earlier this week and was viewed as questionable in the days leading into the national semifinal.

"Obviously, if Clyde's ready to play, we're going to let him play," Orgeron said Friday. "But he's a game-time decision. Do I think he plays? Yes, but how much he plays, I don't know. He's not 100%, obviously."

Edwards-Helaire has been one of the most productive skill players in college football, if largely overshadowed on his own offense by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.

The junior ran for 1,290 yards on 6.6 yards per carry to go with 16 rushing touchdowns in the regular season, with six games of 100 or more rushing yards and four games with multiple scores. He's been especially productive during games against ranked competition, averaging 107.5 rushing yards per game with seven total touchdowns in the Tigers' wins against Florida, Auburn, Alabama and Georgia.

It's in his additional impact as a receiving target that Edwards-Helaire has carved out a vital role for the nation's most productive offense. Edwards-Helaire ranks third on the team with 50 receptions, with 30 of those catches coming on first down. As much as any LSU skill player, Edwards-Helaire's varied skill set allows the Tigers' scheme to play off the traditional script and keep opposing defenses off balance.