LSU was able to cap off its 2022 season with a dominating 63-7 win over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. The Tigers finish their season with a record of 10-4 and have a lot of optimism heading into the offseason with the talent coming back on both sides of the ball. It was a successful first year under Brian Kelly as the purple and gold were able to exceed expectations heading into the year. Here are three takeaways from LSU’s win over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl:
LSU Picks Up Its 10th Win On the Year:
Going into the season LSU had some question marks heading into the year under first-year head coach Brian Kelly. The Tigers were picked to finish fifth in the SEC West as they had holes to fill on both sides of the ball. We saw the emergence of Jayden Daniels take over at the starting quarterback position as Max Johnson decided to transfer in the offseason and Myles Brennan deciding to step away from football.
Even with all of the concerns heading into the season, especially with a brand new coaching staff and numerous roster changes the Tigers were able to get to 10 wins this season. After hovering around .500 after the national championship season LSU was looking for a sense of identity this season. The Tigers were able to get some quality wins over two ranked opponents late in the season: Ole Miss and Alabama.
Picking up their 10th win of the season means that this is the most wins that the Tigers have racked up in a season since the 2019 season where LSU was able to claim the national championship that year on their way to a 15-0 season.
The Quarterback Trifecta for the Tigers:
Jayden Daniels got the start for LSU in this game after suffering an injury during the Texas A&M game. Daniels saw time during the SEC Championship game, but was replaced after he wasn’t 100% during this game. The junior quarterback was able to lead the LSU offense to a successful drive as John Emery ran it in for a one-yard score to put the Tigers up early, 7-0.
Brian Kelly decided to give Garrett Nussmeier a chance on the second offensive possession of the game and the wheels kept on churning for the LSU offense as they were able to find the endzone for a second time. Nussmeier led the Tigers down the field as Noah Cain scored on a nine-yard touchdown run to extend the LSU lead to 14.
Nussmeier led the Tiger passing game on the day with 173 passing yards and two touchdowns. His two touchdowns through the air went to Brian Thomas Jr. for a 10-yard touchdown and Malik Nabers for a 75-yard touchdown. Daniels was also effective on the day as he finished the game with 139 passing yards and a touchdown. He also was able to be effective in the running game as he added 67 yards on six carries.
True-freshman Walker Howard was able to get some much-needed reps late in the game as LSU was able to control the majority of the game. Adding to the Tigers passing game through trickery was Malik Nabers threw two passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. LSU was able to execute the “Philly Special” as Nabers found Daniels in the endzone for a five-yard score to give the purple and gold a 42-0 lead.
LSU’s Defense Rises to the Occasion:
LSU was dealing with key starters on the defensive side that opted out of this bowl game to focus on the 2023 NFL Draft. B.J. Ojulari, Jaquelin Roy and Mekhi Garner would be the three notable Tigers to not play against Purdue. The Tiger defense was able to take advantage against a Purdue offense that was without Aidan O’Connell, Charlie Jones and Payne Durham.
Purdue’s offense didn’t have any answers for the Tiger defense all game as LSU was able to hold the Boilermakers to 263 total yards of offense (170 passing yards and 93 rushing yards). Young players were able to step up for LSU as Zavier Carter, Mekhi Wingo and Sai’vion Jones were able to step up in a big way. The Tiger defense were able to create three turnovers to give their offense a chance to extend the lead.
Jarrick Bernard-Converse was able to create the first turnover in the second quarter where Austin Burton’s pass was picked off. The next turnover forced came at the start of the third quarter as Michael Alaimo’s pass was intercepted by Greg Brooks Jr. LSU would end the game off with a bang as Quad Wilson was able to return an interception for a 99-yard touchdown to close out the scoring as the Tigers were able to ring in the new year with a 63-7 win over Purdue.
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