Purdue Boilermakers (8-5) vs LSU Tigers (9-4)
Game Info: Monday, January 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm (Camping World Stadium)
Betting Odds: Purdue Boilermakers +15.5 -- Over/Under: 57.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The LSU Tigers and the Purdue Boilermakers will face off in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl from Camping World Stadium in Orlando this Monday afternoon.
LSU finished the season at 9-4 after losing to Georgia in the SEC Championship. The Tigers nearly had themselves in a high stakes position before ruining it with a loss to Texas A&M, and then showing little pulse in the 20-point loss to the Bulldogs. LSU scored 31.9 points per game, while passing for 261.6 yards per game (72nd) and rushing for 180.5 ypg (82nd). The LSU defense allowed 23.6 points per game.
Jayden Daniels had a successful first season in Baton Rouge. The former ASU QB turned things up at the start of SEC play, with a six-touchdown performance versus Florida and an overtime victory over Alabama serving as signature moments. Daniels threw for 2,774 passing yards, with 16 touchdowns to three interceptions, while leading LSU with 818 rushing yards and 11 scores. Malik Nabers was his favorite target this season, and he led the Tigers with 63 receptions and 854 receiving yards.
Purdue closed the season at 8-5 after losing to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship. The Boilermakers only trailed by a point at the break, but the Wolverines would turn it up in the second half, and pull away with the three-touchdown win. Purdue scores 28.1 points per game, while passing for 287.6 yards per game (31st) and rushing for 123.1 ypg (208th). The Purdue defense allowed 24.6 points per game.
Aidan O’Connell’s storied career at Purdue came to a close against Michigan, and the three-year starter will sit out for this matchup with LSU. Senior Austin Burton will likely get the call, and he tossed three touchdowns in his lone start versus FAU. Devin Mockobee led the team in rushing as a true freshman with 920 yards and nine scores. Iowa transfer Charlie Jones had an amazing season for the Boilermakers, catching 110 passes for 1,361 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
LSU overcame a lot this season, and served as a real potential threat to crash the CFB Playoff. Despite coming up just a few games short, the Tigers should have no problem taking care of Purdue here. The Boilermakers won’t have O’Connell, and will trot out an inexperienced quarterback to guide the Air Raid. LSU should win this game on both sides of the ball, and send Purdue back to the Midwest with a loss. Take the Tigers’ spread for this contest.
Corey’s Pick LSU -15.5
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
