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LSU enjoying 'fruits of labor' following Citrus Bowl blowout over Purdue

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax01/02/23BarkleyTruax
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LSU WR Malik Nabers. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It was all LSU in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Monday, defeating Purdue 63-7. The win was the largest margin of victory in a bowl game in LSU history and earned Brian Kelly a 10-win season during his first year as head coach.

“They’ve committed to [winning] for the last few weeks and put themselves in a position to play really well today. I’m just proud of their commitment to LSU football, their commitment to wanting to be better in 2023 than we were in 2022, so this this is all about the players they played well today,” Kelly said during postgame celebrations.

“Hats go off to Purdue. They obviously competed today, and we wish them the best moving forward. But this was about LSU today and the way these kids prepared,” Kelly said during the postgame celebration.

Malik Nabers was named Citrus Bowl MVP for his efforts on offense. His nine receptions went for 163 yards and a touchdown – he also had two completions and a passing touchdown. After the game, he couldn’t say enough great things about his head coach, saying he’s helped the team create winning habits that will help build the team toward greater heights.

The scoring was well distributed throughout LSU’s offense against the Boilermakers. Nabers was one of four wide receivers to catch a touchdown pass during the Citrus Bowl. Three different players also threw touchdown passes – including Nabers – while three more scored on the ground. In total, LSU’s eight touchdowns smothered Purdue early and the Tigers never let their off off the gas. Check out the box score here.

“They had to eventually trust the process, and they did. I mean, it’s never an easy change when you have to have change, and so they have to trust that. To come every day and believe in what we’re doing – we’re starting to see obviously the fruits of that labor.”

That fruit tastes sweet like Citrus, and the LSU Tigers end the season on an incredibly high note. They are your 2023 Citrus Bowl champions, and will enter the offseason with high expectations and optimism.