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The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl served as part of an undercard of college football action leading up to this season’s national championship game on January 9th. The Southeastern Conference’s West Division Champion Louisiana State Tigers snacked on the Big 10 Conference’s West Division Champion Purdue Boilermakers, 63-7.
The Tigers under first-year head coach Brian Kelly came out derailing the Boilermakers. After a three-and-out on their first drive, LSU scored on five consecutive drives for a 35-0 halftime lead – the most points in the first half in this bowl since 1969 by the Houston Cougars. It was called the Tangerine Bowl back then.
In fairness, Purdue is in the middle of turning over the coaching staff with Jeff Brohm having departed for the Louisville head coaching job. His brother Brian is handling head coaching duties on an interim basis with help from NFL Hall of Famer and Purdue alumnus Drew Brees as an assistant coach.
#Purdue Interim Head Coach Brian Brohm spoke about the unique challenges he faced preparing the #BoilerMakers for the @CitrusBowl. #BoilerUp @3ptCnvrsn pic.twitter.com/NKlq69PSGU
— Kyle Nash (@TheSoTG) January 2, 2023
That’s over and above a 3,500-yard passing starting quarterback Aiden O’Connell, 1,300-yard receiver Charlie Jones, and the defense’s top pass defender Cory Trice among others as bowl opt-outs.
LSU’s starting quarterback Jayden Daniels was first pulled midway through the second quarter and split time with backup Garrett Nussmeier to get some action throughout the rest of the contest. Daniels finished with 12-of-17 passing for 139 yards and a touchdown with six carries for 67 on the ground as well as a five-yard touchdown reception from Malik Nabers on a trick play.
#lsufootball’s WR Malik Nabers talks about getting the @citrusbowl Player of the Game award after his team posted the highest offensive performance in yards and points in the game’s history. #GeauxTigers @3ptCnvrsn pic.twitter.com/4hlBXbW1sR
— Kyle Nash (@TheSoTG) January 2, 2023
Nussmeier wrapped the game up with 11-of-15 for 175 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The shining moment for Purdue’s defense.
LSU did their job defensively as well, holding Purdue to 256 yards of offense compared to the Tigers’ Citrus Bowl-record 594. They also got a takeaway for points with a 99-yard interception return from Quad Wilson.
Nabers had a day in his own right, with 163 yards on nine catches and a 75-yard touchdown in addition to the touchdown pass to Daniels. This performance landed him the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Player of the Game.
