LSU quarterback Joe Burrow led the Tigers to a 46-41 win over Alabama in a game that could make him both the Heisman winner, and QB1 in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Burrow continues to be the most improved player in college football and he was able to get all over the Crimson Tide early in this one. He completed 31 of his 39 pass attempts for 393 yards and three touchdowns while adding 64 yards on the ground.
He came out firing on the first drive of the game, making a couple impressive throws before spotting one perfectly on a go route to Ja’Marr Chase back shoulder to deliver the game’s first touchdown.
Burrow was tremendous throughout the first half, placing the ball wherever he wanted no matter how much pressure Alabama put in his face.
Come for the Joe Burrow highlight, stay for the sad Bama energy
— FanSided (@FanSided) November 9, 2019
(via @CBSSports) pic.twitter.com/C2aBfkSa3p
He put together a nearly-perfect first half, failing to throw an incompletion until a missed defensive holding call lead to his first miss of the game late in the 2nd quarter.
Burrow was impressive as a passer, displaying tremendous patience in the pocket and accuracy at all levels of the field throughout the game. All day long he delivered darts into the middle of the field, and it seemed as if Alabama’s defense had no answer for him at all.
His arm was able to put them in position to cushion their lead in the 2nd half, but Burrow’s legs might have been what changed the game for LSU.
His pocket mobility was tremendous throughout the game and he delivered several on-target throws despite an Alabama defender closing in his face. Burrow was able to move around the pocket well when things fell apart while keeping his eyes glued downfield, and he’s really started to display impressive pocket awareness.
Burrow has displayed his dual-threat capabilities in recent weeks, but LSU really used his legs as a threat to help seal the game.
He made a game-changing play with his feet on a 3rd-and-five QB draw in the 4th where he evaded multiple defenders in the backfield and took off to set up 1st and goal. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who had an impressive game of his own, was able to finish the drive with a touchdown on the following play.
They also used his legs to bait Alabama on a fake QB draw on one of LSU’s final drives of the game. Burrow faked the run, drew the linebackers downhill and opened up a wide open window for him to deliver a strike to Chase on a chunk play that set up LSU’s game-sealing touchdown late in the 4th quarter.
Burrow helped the Tigers overcome the Crimson Tide for the first time since 2011, but this game was more than that. His performance has tremendous implications across the college landscape as well as his potential selection in the NFL Draft.
After already beating Texas and Florida early in the year, there isn’t a player in Heisman contention with a stronger resume, and Alabama gives him an official signature win.
Tua Tagovailoa was tough in this game and played well given the circumstances, but it’s hard to ignore how dominant Burrow looked all night.
While both project as quality quarterbacks at the next level, the win over Alabama could have given Burrow just what he needed to be selected as the 1st overall player in the 2020 NFL Draft.
It’s time to talk less about Tanking for Tua and more about Bombing for Burrow.