LSU won its first national title since 2007 on Monday, beating Clemson 42-25 in New Orleans.
Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow stole the show in his final college game, going 31-of-49 for 463 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 14 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown on the ground, helping LSU overcome a 17-7 second-quarter deficit.
In fact, Clemson receiver Tee Higgins ran for a 36-yard touchdown with 10:38 to go in the second quarter. After that, LSU outscored Clemson 35-8.
It was quite a night for Burrow, who transferred from Ohio State, and Ed Orgeron, whose path to LSU was, in a word, roundabout – especially for a Louisiana boy.
On Tuesday, Damon Amendolara reflected on the improbability of LSU’s title – and the dominance it entailed, as LSU defeated Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Auburn, Florida and Texas, among others.
LSU, the top-scoring offense in the country, erupted for 105 points in the College Football Playoff, as Burrow had 14 touchdowns (12 passing, two rushing) in wins over Clemson and Oklahoma.
Burrow set FBS single-season records for touchdown passes and touchdowns responsible for – marks previously set by Hawaii’s Colt Brennan in 2006. Burrow ended the season with 65 touchdowns, including 60 through the air.
He is expected to be the first overall pick in the NFL Draft in April. The Cincinnati Bengals, who went 2-14 this season and are 21-42-1 over the last four years, have the first pick. The Redskins (3-13), Lions (3-12-1), Giants (4-12) and Dolphins (5-11) round out the top five.