Peach Bowl Recap: LSU Tigers Torches the Sooners

There were a lot of questions surrounding how Oklahoma, the only playoff team with a loss, would fare against top-ranked LSU. Safe to say it did not go well. Joe Burrow, this year’s Heisman winner and the presumed top pick in the upcoming NFL draft, dominated an overmatched Sooners defense with 493 yards and 7 touchdowns. The game was never really close after the first quarter, and Ed Orgeron’s squad made it clear why they are ranked #1.

The game seemed promising at first, with LSU getting a stop and scoring but then allowing Oklahoma to respond with a long CeeDee Lamb reception that led to a two-yard Kennedy Brooks touchdown run. But that’s where the good for Oklahoma ended, as LSU scored two touchdowns before the quarter ended. 

But it was in the second quarter that things really unraveled. In the first drive of the quarter, Oklahoma lost safety Brendan Radley-Hiles when he delivered a vicious targeting penalty to Clyde Edwards-Helaire and was ejected from the game. The Tigers responded by burning Radley-Hiles’ replacement, Woodi Washington, for a Justin Jefferson touchdown to extend their lead to 21 points. Feeling the game starting to slip away, Lincoln Riley called a trick play that resulted in an interception, allowing Burrow to drive down the field again and score despite two separate 15-yard penalties. This pushed the gap to 28 points. Oklahoma was then able to muster a touchdown, but LSU answered with yet another two and had reached a mind-boggling 49 points by halftime to Oklahoma’s 14.

Most of the second half was a mere formality, with the only question of real interest being how many points LSU would end up scoring. They drained the clock and missed a field goal, but were able to score two touchdowns before the clock hit zero.

Overall this was a tremendous accomplishment for LSU, who had never even reached the playoff before this year. They have an opportunity to go and win their first title in twelve years, potentially kicking off a changing of the guard in the SEC and the national picture. As ESPN pointed out, Joe Burrow set the bowl record for total touchdowns with eight, seven in the first half. For Oklahoma, this represents yet another disappointing playoff trip, and the question could be asked whether the Sooners will ever really get to the top after four playoff appearances in the last five years without a win. 

The Tigers will meet Clemson in the National Championship on January 13th. 

Stats according to ESPN.com

-By: Alex Spieldenner

Writer/Interviewer

College Football Playoff Preview: Peach Bowl LSU-Oklahoma

Who’s ready for a party? The entire season of predictions, analysis, touchdowns, and interceptions has finally led to this: the College Football Playoff. Finally, we take steps towards finding out who the national champion will be. The first semifinal features two storied programs, as #4 Oklahoma faces off against #1 LSU in the Peach Bowl. Can the Sooners pull off an upset, or will the Tigers’ dominant season continue? Let’s look closer to try to find out.

#1 LSU

Preseason Preview: LSU

How They Got Here: The Tigers were arguably the most dominant team in the nation, beating a stunning four teams in the top 15 and unseating the perennially-excellent Alabama Crimson Tide as the SEC Champion. LSU was led by the best quarterback in the country and the winner of the Heisman trophy, Joe Burrow. Burrow’s numbers are hard to believe, as he posted over 4700 yards passing with an 8:1 touchdown/interception ratio. Not only was the ratio excellent, but so was the final count: a superb 48 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions. Add in 289 rushing yards, a 77.9 completion percentage, and the fact that he was in the top-3 in virtually every passing category and you have a superstar quarterback capable of leading a team to a national championship. But Burrow hasn’t been the only reason LSU has been so good: running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has made himself a vital weapon with over 1600 all-purpose yards, and two different receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, have over 1200 yards receiving. This has all combined to create one of the most powerful offenses in the nation, one that has outdueled teams like Alabama and pounded teams like Texas A&M.

Biggest Weakness: LSU has a below-average (for a contender) pass defense by passing yards and touchdowns allowed per game, but that needs to be viewed with the lense of defending teams that were trying to come back after falling behind one of the most potent offenses in the nation. In fact, LSU actually allowed the sixth-lowest completion percentage in the country. Their rushing defense, however, is only passable compared to other top programs: they are outside of the top 20 in both yards allowed per rush and rushing yards allowed per game despite the fact that they are in the top 20 in rushing attempts per game against them. To be fair, though, the Tigers had one of their better performances when they were dominant defensively against a Georgia team that is currently ranked fifth in the nation. But Georgia’s offense isn’t even in the same conversation as Oklahoma’s. If LSU loses, it will be because its defense couldn’t contain Jalen Hurts.

Injury Concerns: LSU’s two top running backs, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Tyrion Davis-Prince are both struggling with injuries and are questionable to play in the game. Oklahoma’s biggest defensive weakness is the run game, and it would be a huge blow to the Tigers to be without their two top backs. However, the rest of the team is remarkably healthy, and Ed Orgeron should feel confident in the rest of his squad. 

LSU wins if: The team that has dominated all season shows up, Joe Burrow shreds a weak defense and the Tigers’ own defense is able to slow the Sooners’ offense just enough to allow their own offense to gain the upper hand. LSU should win this game, but it starts with Burrow playing like he has all year and ends with the Tigers’ defense keeping Hurts from beating them. 

#4 Oklahoma

Preseason Preview: Oklahoma

How They Got Here: LSU’s offense may be great, but what’s crazy is that Oklahoma has one to match it. Led by Alabama transfer Jalen Hurts, the Sooners lead the nation in yards per play and trail the Tigers by a tenth of a yard per game. Hurts himself has also put up eye-popping numbers, with over 3600 passing yards and over 1200 rushing yards, leading to Hurts being the runner-up for the Heisman trophy behind Burrow. The Sooners are suffering a bit from their own success, however, as nobody is interested in an Oklahoma offense that lights up the scoreboard. But we haven’t seen a Sooner team with an even average defense in the playoff before, and this will be the year that changes: Lincoln Riley and Alex Grinch have their team in the top 40 in yards allowed per game and per play, which is at least 40 spots better than either of the last two years. That isn’t a typo; those defenses were abysmal. Oklahoma has the offense to match up with LSU, the question is whether its newly-found defensive adequacy can help pull off the upset. The Sooners weren’t expected to be here: I basically buried their chances here only to see them squeeze in a few weeks later. But they’re here now, with a chance to really make a splash. 

Biggest Weakness: Like LSU, Oklahoma’s biggest struggle comes from a defense that has a hard time keeping up with a dominant offense. It struggles a bit more than LSU’s, but it also tends to be on the field less than the Tigers’ defense. The Sooners’ biggest struggle could be containing the Ed Orgeron’s running game, as Oklahoma ranks a paltry 50th in yards allowed per rush. Having Edwards-Helaire unable to play would be a huge advantage, and allow a passing defense that has allowed fewer than 200 yards per game to try to contain the best quarterback in the nation. This is going to be really difficult, but it just might work. 

Injury Concerns: The Sooners will be missing multiple impact players, as the Sooners’ sack leader Ronnie Perkins is suspended and backup running back Rhamondre Stevenson are both going to be suspended for the game. Lincoln Riley has said, however, that their starting running back Kennedy Brooks will be playing despite a neck injury. Losing Perkins really hurts, particularly because putting pressure on Burrow will be paramount in stopping the LSU offensive attack. But having Brooks suit up should be an important advantage if LSU can’t play its own top running back. 

Oklahoma wins if: Clyde Edwards-Helaire doesn’t play, the Sooner defense is able to contain offense missing a key playmaker, and Jalen Hurts leads the offense to a point-scoring bonanza. Even if Edwards-Helaire doesn’t play, Joe Burrow is still the best college player in the country, and the Sooners will have their hands full trying to stop him. But it becomes much easier if the running game isn’t much of a factor.

My prediction: LSU should win, but things get dicey if Edwards-Helaire can’t play. Weird things can happen in shootouts, so I wouldn’t call this a given, even if the Tigers are heavy favorites. LSU 49, Oklahoma 45.

All statistics, game information and injury information is according to sports-reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

-By: Alex Spieldenner

Writer/ Interviewer

Too Early 2020 NFL MOCK DRAFT 1.0 (1-10)

1.Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow QB (LSU)

The Bengals took Ryan Finley in the 4th round of last years draft. Finley has some upside but most likely isn’t the guy to lead the desperate franchise from Cincinnati. Joe Burrow has become a Heisman favorite as his tiger team has beaten three ranked teams including a huge win in Tuscaloosa that showed the whole world who this kid is. Burrow’s arm strength isn’t Mahomes or Rodgers level but he can make plays with his feet make most throws and has proven he takes care of the football. This season he threw 33 touchdowns while throwing only 4 interceptions. He stands at 6,4” and weighs 216 lbs. Zac Taylor can give some of his talented weapons such as Mixon, Boyd, Green, and Ross some hope by drafting a player like Burrow. 

2.Washington Redskins - Chase Young DE (OHIO STATE)

Dan Snyder has been ridiculed throughout the league for years being incapable of building a team in the nation's capital. The skins get lucky here and select Chase Young the hands-down best player in this years draft class. They now have a decent young core on defense with Sweat, Allen, Young, and Collins. This team is a long way from competing, but this is a step in the right direction. Young is the closest thing we know to a Khalil Mack if you don’t need a QB this year there is no excuse to pass on this buckeye.

3.New York Giants- Andrew Thomas OT (GEORGIA)

Thomas has been in the bulldog starting lineup since his freshman year. The Georgia product is dominating his junior year and is setting himself up to be an early pick in the 2020 draft. His 6,5”, 320-pound frame is ideal for an NFL starting tackle. Thomas has proved to be powerful and quick enough to block for both the run and the pass. His footwork has been very impressive during his time in Athens his only weakness is he tends to get beat with a speed rush on occasions. Nate Solder is the most overpaid player in football and Mike Remmers is just plain horrible. Dave Gettleman needs to keep Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley upright and Thomas will provide another tough nose big body to go along with Zeitler and Hernandez. 

4.Miami Dolphins- Tua Tagovailoa QB (ALABAMA)

The tank for Tua project in Miami is in question after winning a few games. But, Miami lucks out here when the Bengals decide to go with Burrow. There are not many weaknesses when talking about this player. He has the ability to throw on the run maneuver in the pocket and throw absolute strikes downfield. His pocket awareness is also very exceptional. The one worry about Tua is that the injuries are starting to pile up  Tua takes some shots because he is so patient in the pocket, his ankle looked weak in the LSU game which took away his ability to run if he continues to take those hits his bright future in the NFL could be shortened. Brian Flores and the Dolphins have no reason to pass here considering how far they are away from completing a Quarterback is where it all needs to begin. 

5.New York Jets- Tristan Wirfs OT  (IOWA)

The Jets spent their 2019 cap room on weapons for Sam Darnold. But, a case of mono totally derailed the season for this team. The Jets front office went out and bought Le’Veon Bell who was coming off two historically great years in Pittsburgh before he got caught up in a holdout for the 2018 season. Jamison Crowder was also signed to give some help to number fourteen from USC. But, a player like Bell shouldn’t fall off a cliff and that is exactly what happened so far in 2019. He has proved to be ineffective when there are no holes to run through unlike in Pittsburgh where there were gaping holes for Bell to hit early and often in games. The Jets take a versatile tackle here to help boost their offensive line and give their star players a chance to succeed. Wirfs is 6,5” and weighs 322 pounds and is known for being able to play both right and left tackle. Maybe Wirfs presence will decrease the amount of ghosts that float around at Metlife Stadium. 

6.Atlanta Falcons- Jeffrey Okudah CB (OHIO STATE)

The second buckeye taken in the top ten, Okudah is the best all-around corner in this draft. Dan Quinn has struggled this season in Atlanta but the lack of talent on the defensive side of the football prevents him from helping this team reach their full potential. The Falcons have given up 25 points in six games this season. The secondary has been beaten and destroyed by opposing wideouts week in and week out. Okudah’s 6,1” 200-pound build will do wonders for this Atlanta defense and may end up saving Dan Quinn’s job. 

7.Trade (CLE trades w LAC) Los Angeles Chargers- Justin Herbert QB (OREGON)

It is time… The Chargers have had one of the most obscure seasons a team could ask for. A large percentage of analysts predicted the Bolts were making runs to the AFC championship game. This team has shown glimpses of being special all year beating Green Bay by a landslide as Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa flew off the edge but setbacks like the Derwin James injury and the offensive line becoming depleted have taken this team out of contention. Rivers has remained elite at times but has shown this year he is regressing. Herbert can provide a new heartbeat for the Chargers to build on and will be able to sit for a few years as Rivers gives the rest of his career to a franchise that has been built around him for as long as many can remember. Herbert shows similarities that look like a young Philip, a family guy who plays with heart and smooth mechanics don’t be surprised if LA reaches for a QB early.

8.Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kristian Fulton CB (LSU)

Fulton joins Burrow here as two tigers crack my top ten. Fulton has good length and his superb footwork creates some speed for the Bucs here on the outside. Vernon Hargraves was cut, the former 1st rounder showed lack of effort depleting an already vulnerable Bucs secondary. Tampa needs a guy to take on Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, and DJ Moore in a tough NFC South for many years to come.

9.Denver Broncos- CeeDee Lamb WR (OKLAHOMA)

Denver has found a quality receiver in Courtland Sutton this season who is currently projected to go over 1,000 yards for the first time in his young career. But, the offense still seems boring and non-explosive especially with the trade of Emmanuel Sanders this team is in need of another playmaker. Lamb will provide everything that Sutton doesn't. Lamb will provide the speed and run after the catch ability that was once held by Sanders he will also use his frame to make contested catches everywhere on the field. The route running ability is what really draws the Hopkins comparisons. Whether it is Cam Newton or Drew Lock quarterbacking this team in the future Lamb will make any QB’s job easier.

10.Arizona Cardinals-Isaiah Simmons LINEBACKER/S (CLEMSON)

Arizona’s defense is the main reason for their losing record. It gets torched pretty much every week. They have given up the most passing touchdowns in the league at 25. Kyler Murray and that offense need a playmaker on defense. Simmons versatility changes everything for a weak Cardinal defense. Isaiah has had experience in the slot, back deep playing safety, hanging in coverage as a linebacker, and even rushing off the edge this pick can’t go wrong your getting a good player that can be the band-aid and cover up the wounds on a pathetic defense. The combine should help Isaiah don’t be surprised if he goes even earlier. 

-By: Sam Kirk

Writer/Gamer/Interviewer