LSU Tops UCF To Win PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
#11 LSU was down several key starters heading into the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, lost two players to ejection during the game against UCF, and were down 14-3 early after quarterback Joe Burrow threw a pick 6, but the Tigers would not be denied in their New Year's matchup with the #8 Knights.
With an impressive performance by Burrow, who finished with 394 yards passing and four touchdowns, and a gritty performance by the Tigers defense who were missing 8 contributors by halftime, LSU snapped UCF's 25 game winning streak with a 40-32 win.
UCF was missing their starting quarterback, who suffered a season ending injury in November. The Knights showed plenty of grit, with a potential game tying possession in the final seconds of the contest, despite being outgained in yards 555 to 205, and losing the time of possession battle nearly 3 to 1 (LSU 44:31, UCF 15:29).
LSU senior running back Nick Brosette rushed for 117 yards, giving him 1,039 on the season.
Tiger wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase (6 rec, 93 yds, 1 TD), Justin Jefferson (4 rec, 87 yds, 2 TDs), Derrick Dillon (2 rec, 86 yds, 1 TD) and Stephen Sullivan (3 rec, 76 yds) attacked a UCF secondary that appeared outmatched throughout the game.
Defensive tackle Rashard Lewis anchored the LSU defensive line with 5 tackles and 2 sacks.
With the victory, the Tigers finish the season 10-3, and will assuredly finish in the final top 10 rankings. It marks the first 10 win season under head coach Ed Orgeron.