The LSU Tigers are not only approaching their “meaningless” bowl game seriously, but they also have NFL-bound draft picks making every lasting impact that they can while they are still college athletes. What enrages college football fans is the fact that there is often a feeling of unfinished business and an apparent lack of respect for a program that allows you to showcase your skills. While the transfer window and rules will need to be fixed, along with possible motivating factors, some LSU Tigers are leaving it all out on the field for every opportunity that they get to wear their team’s jersey.
LSU Tigers Opting In To Play
Malik Nabers is a first-round projected wide receiver talent. Despite the latest trend, he decided to suit up and play in the ReliaQuest Bowl. It is only fitting that during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers, Nabers became the most productive player in terms of yards for the LSU Tigers.
The formerly held record by Josh Reed stands no more as Nabers caught an 11-yard pass to give him over 3,0004 yards in his LSU Tigers career. And while he will soon be a pro, making plays on Sundays, this feat is an impressive mark considering the number of talented receivers that have come through that program.
He is not the only member of the LSU Tigers that is expecting to go early in the draft and decided to play the Badgers. Brian Thomas Jr. is also a wide receiver who will be picked up by NFL teams in April.
As a big-bodied, explosive downhill threat, Reed will likely prove himself to be a deep vertical threat that NFL teams are looking for, just as he has in college.
LSU Tigers Brian Kelly
When asked why his two highly touted players are looking forward to playing in the bowl game, head coach Brian Kelly shared that the two receivers are a little more ‘old school’ in their mentality, adding:
They love their teammates, the love LSU and love football.
This is at the heart of the matter. With the potential of having an NFL contract, or keeping a high draft stock, the risk of injury has been for some too much to play with.
However, with the upcoming 16-team playoff seeding, more games will have more championship potential meaning and will result in fewer opt-outs.
That being said, even if the format stayed as it is this year, or if future teams were to miss the playoffs, what would the landscape for less successful programs look like?
The answer comes from the culture and program that is built by the coaching staff of each school. Just like LSU Tigers Coach Kelly shared when discussing his players if an athlete feels the need to compete one last time for his school he will.
There will always be individual cases, but for the most part, the buy-in or lack thereof of coaches in bowl games will be reflected by the players. Coaches who have already turned the page to the next year, or who are halfway out the door, will likely see this magnified within their program.
For this year, it was nice to see LSU Tigers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. rewarded with one last opportunity to play for their college team in front of fans.