Well with all due respect to Purdue, we get to easily the worst Big Ten bowl game. Purdue has lost its coach, much of its staff, it’s starting quarterback, and other key players. They face a formidable SEC foe in LSU that had a solid debut season for Brian Kelly as they won the division and took down Alabama during the regular season.
How did Purdue get here?
Two nice winning streaks. After a 1-2 start, Purdue won four straight: FAU, Minnesota, Maryland, and Nebraska. Following the Nebraska game, Purdue got spanked by Wisconsin and Iowa and seemed to be out of the divisional race. They rallied though and won their next three: Illinois, Northwestern, and Indiana. This second streak combined with Nebraska beating Iowa in the finale and Illinois limping to the finish got the Boilers to their first conference title game. Once there they put in a solid effort in the first half before Michigan pulled away in the second half.
How did LSU get here?
Winning nine of ten games in the middle of the season. After a bizarre choke job against Florida State in a 24-23 loss, LSU rolled in four straight wins. A full-strength Tennessee crushed the Tigers, 40-13 but LSU rebounded with five wins in a row, including their 32-31 epic over Alabama. Starting quarterback Jayden Daniels is the reason LSU has an offense. The OL isn’t that good so he is always on the move…including on designed runs as he led the club with 885 rushing yards. A meltdown against Texas A&M prevented the SEC title game from being a chance for LSU to get to the CFP and that may have factored into their woeful performance in Atlanta. They’ll look to redeem themselves after a sour end to a good season.
Why should we watch?
You shouldn’t. With QB Aidan O’Connell out and head coach Jeff Brohm gone to Louisville, the already overmatched Boilermakers are now in a huge hole. LSU should crush them.
Who should win…and should you bet?
LSU will win…and win big. They will easily cover the 15 point spread.
How to watch?
- Date: Monday, January 2nd
- Time: 12:00 pm, central
- TV: ABC
- Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Random Tidbit:
This is the first ever meeting between these two football programs. Overall Purdue is 14-9-0 against the SEC with their best record against Tennessee (2-0) and they have the most wins against Missouri (7-3-0). Their worst record is against Georgia (0-2). The SEC teams Purdue has yet to play (after this bowl) will be Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and South Carolina. Meanwhile, LSU is just 9-15-2 against the Big Ten. Their best record is a tie between Illinois and Michigan State (1-0). Their most wins are against Wisconsin (3-1) while Nebraska has knocked around the Tigers some. LSU is 0-5-1 against Nebraska, by far their most losses to a B1G team. In terms of worst winning percentage, they are 0-3 against Maryland. The Big Ten teams LSU has yet to play (after this bowl) will be Michigan, Minnesota, and Northwestern.
Big Ten and Counting 