Citrus Bowl Live Updates/Thread: LSU vs. Purdue
Final: LSU 63, Purdue 7
Fourth Quarter
Quad Wilson, son of LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson, picks off Purdue and returns it 99 yards for the touchdown to cap off a dominant victory for the Tigers.
Walker Howard leads the Tigers into the red zone where safety turned running back Derrick Davis Jr. punches in the touchdown score. Davis, who is in the transfer portal, gets in the end zone for the first time today. Tigers lead 56-7.
Score Update: LSU 49, Purdue 7
True freshman quarterback Walker Howard has entered the game for LSU. After going three and out, Howard runs over to the sideline and receives praise from both Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier.
Purdue gets on the board after some trickery. An 8-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. No shutout for LSU today.
Third Quarter
The Tigers get the ball back, and on the first play, a quick pass to Malik Nabers results in a touchdown. The sophomore wideout takes it 75 yards to the end zone to put LSU up 49-0. Nabers has now eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark on the season.
LSU gets inside the red zone but Nussmeier is picked off in the end zone. Purdue will take over on the 20-yard line.
LSU DB Greg Brooks Jr. intercepts Michael Alaimo on the first play of the Boilermakers drive. Tigers take over on the Purdue 42 yard line.
Score Update: LSU 42, Purdue 0
Tigers continue pulling out all the tricks here in Orlando. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock goes with the Philly Special for the touchdown. Malik Nabers passes to Jayden Daniels for the score. Yes, Nabers to Daniels. Tigers lead 42-0 with 9:21 remaining in the third quarter.
LSU freshman WR Landon Ibieta reels in his first catch of the season. The youngster missed time due to injury this season, but looks to be a piece of this receiving corps for the future.
Purdue continues to go for it on fourth down - and why not? - but turns the ball over on downs. Tigers take over at the Purdue 45 with 12:25 remaining in the quarter.
Purdue starts the second half with the football. After going three and out, a penalty on LSU gives the Boilermakers a fresh set of downs.
Halftime: LSU 35, Purdue 0
Second Quarter
Jayden Daniels: 10-of-12 for 123 yards and a TD. Add 62 yards rushing.
Garrett Nussmeier: 8-of-10 for 81 yards and a TD.
Mason Taylor: 5 receptions, 88 yards and a TD.
Malik Nabers: 7 receptions, 80 yards.
Noah Cain: 39 yards, 2 TD’s.
LSU defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse comes up with an interception for the Tigers just as Purdue crosses midfield for the first time all game. LSU ball with 3:11 remaining in the half.
It's been a masterful performance for this LSU defense through five possessions. Tigers force another punt, but the Boilermakers convert on the punt to keep the drive alive. 6:00 remaining in the half.
Score Update: LSU 28, Purdue 0
Daniels with a quarterback keeper of 37 yards for the Tigers and puts LSU inside the 10-yard line where Noah Cain punches in his second score of the day. Tigers up big with 8:23 remaining in the half.
The Jayden Daniels-Mason Taylor connection has been on full display throughout the half. Daniels delivers to the true freshman for a 15-yard gain to start the Tigers' drive. Taylor now up to four receptions for 83 yards.
LSU linebacker Greg Penn brings pressure, forces Purdue quarterback Austin Burton up in the pocket where he is immediately met by Sai'vion Jones for the sack. Tigers force a fourth punt by the Boilermakers and will get the ball back with 12:27 remaining in the half.
Score Update: LSU 21, Purdue 0
Jayden Daniels is spreading the ball around and delivering some beautiful strikes to open the quarter. Connects with Mason Taylor for a 32-yard touchdown to put LSU up by three scores. 5-play, 62-yard drive.
First Quarter
Safety Greg Brooks forces a fumble on the Boilermakers third drive but the runner is ruled down after Major Burns recovered. Purdue goes three and out once again. Tigers ball to start the second quarter.
Score Update: LSU 14, Purdue 0
Noah Cain gallops from inside the 10-yard line for the touchdown on the Tigers third drive of the game to put them up by two scores. Well-executed drive by Nussmeier. 8-play, 67-yard drive.
Nussmeier delivers a beautiful ball to Malik Nabers on a deep shot to the end zone but Nabers drops the pass. On the following play, the two connect for a solid first down gain. Nussmeier certainly taking his fair share of shots with this opportunity.
Tigers bringing in redshirt freshman QB Garrett Nussmeier for their third drive.
LSU forces another Purdue punt after the Boilermakers go six plays for 15 yards. Tigers outgaining the Boilermakers 84-15 through two drives.
Score Update: LSU 7, Purdue 0
John Emery punches in the touchdown from inside the five-yard line and the Tigers get on the board first in Orlando. 10-play, 63-yard drive.
Tigers unable to get into a rhythm on their first three plays, but convert on fourth down on a crossing route to Malik Nabers. LSU near Purdue territory.
LSU punts it away and the Tigers will go with a three-man front of Mekhi Wingo, Jacobian Guillory and Sai'vion Jones. Matt House has his defense in a 3-3-5 to start this one and force a three and out on the Boilermakers first drive.
Jayden Daniels does indeed start the game for LSU. Starts the game with a swing pass to Noah Cain before a QB keeper on the following play. Tigers also rolling with Garrett Dellinger and Anthony Bradford, not Miles Frazier, at starting guard spots up front.
Tigers will start the game with the football.
Pregame
LSU RB Josh Williams has been ruled out for Monday's Citrus Bowl matchup. Look for John Emery, Noah Cain and Derrick Davis Jr. to take significant snaps in the backfield.
Notable players ruled out for today: Kayshon Boutte, BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye, Mekhi Garner, Jaray Jenkins and Colby Richardson.
LSU's secondary will rely on both Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Jay Ward to carry the heavy lifting. Keep an eye on Laterrance Welch to see the field if one goes down.
Garrett Dellinger is taking reps at left guard with the first team while Miles Frazier took second-team reps at left tackle. Would be Dellinger's first start since October.
Tigers Looking Attack Early, Make Statement
LSU’s season finale is inching closer with the Tigers set to take on the Purdue Boilermakers in the Citrus Bowl on Monday. With Brian Kelly’s squad looking to end the season on a high note and carry momentum into the offseason, there is still something to play for.
“It’s program development,” Kelly said. “What are these bowl games about? It’s your program, it’s developing the players, building morale, building camaraderie, building relationships with coaches and players. All of those things matter because you’re with them more than at any point in the season because there’s no academics. Building those relationships is invaluable.”
Bowl preparation is a time for these players to get better each and every day, especially youngsters who may not have been given significant snaps during the regular season.
“This game is watched, this game matters,” Kelly said. “If you’re putting film out there and you’re developing and getting a chance to practice, that’s a whole lot more important than trying to work on your 40 time. A lot of guys don’t see that because they hear you’ve gotta run a good time at the combine. What they need to do is put good film out there and this gives them another opportunity to develop their craft in practice over a three week period.”
