The LSU Tigers steamrolled the Purdue Boilermakers 63-7 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Monday. With the victory, LSU finished the season with 10 victories.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After the two teams traded punts to start the game, LSU began its scoring flurry with a 10-play, 63-yard touchdown drive which was capped with a one-yard touchdown run by John Emery Jr.
After forcing Purdue to punt a second time, LSU wasted little time as the Tigers marched down the field in a mere eight plays as Noah Cain found the end zone on a nine-yard touchdown run.
LSU’s defense forced yet another Purdue punt and scored again as Jayden Daniels connected with tight end Mason Taylor for a 32-yard touchdown.
The Tigers’ defense then forced a fourth-straight punt by the Boilermakers and its offense produced another touchdown drive, this one ending with another nine-yard TD run by Cain.
LSU’s defense then forced its first turnover as Jarrick Bernard-Converse picked off a pass from Austin Burton. The Tigers took advantage of the short field as backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw a 10-yard touchdown to Brian Thomas Jr.
At the break, LSU held a commanding 35-0 lead.
LSU’s defense kept its foot on the gas to start the second half, as the Tigers stopped the Boilermakers on fourth-and-four at the Purdue 45-yard line.
LSU’s offense pulled out a trick play as wide receiver Malik Nabers threw a five-yard touchdown to Daniels.
After the two teams traded interceptions, LSU scored again as Nussmeier found Nabers open for a 75-yard touchdown.
Purdue finally got on the scoreboard with a 16-yard touchdown from Michael Alaimo to TJ Sheffield.
LSU would add a 12-yard touchdown run by Derrick Davis Jr. in the fourth and then a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown by Quad Wilson during the final minute of the game.
BIG NUMBER: 594
LSU’s offense shredded Purdue’s defense for 594 total yards in the bowl game, with 369 of that through the air and 225 yards on the ground.
BIG NUMBER II: 3
LSU’s defense forced three turnovers — all interceptions in Monday’s victory. Greg Brooks Jr., Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Quad Wilson all hauled in picks.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME: MALIK NABERS & JAYDEN DANIELS
The LSU wide receiver did a little bit of everything in Monday’s blowout win. He led all receivers with nine receptions for 163 yards and a 75-yard touchdown, while also completing 2-of-2 passes for 50 yards and touchdown pass. Daniels meanwhile completed 12-of-17 passes for 139 yards with one touchdown, led the Tigers with 67 yards rushing on six carries and had one five-yard TD reception.